Sevastova, the 2018 US Open semifinalist, overcame a second set comeback by the teenager to advance with a 6-3 5-7 6-4 victory. After dominating the first set, the Latvian secured a break in the second but was unable to withstand the relentless attack from her younger opponent. Gauff broke back and eventually claimed the second set to level the match at one set apiece.
The final set saw both ladies hold serve, with Gauff serving to stay in the match at 4-5. However, some inconsistent play from the American saw her face but save three match points. This was coupled with very solid hitting from Sevastova, who kept painting the lines at every opportunity. Eventually, Gauff succumbed to the pressure and committed her 41st unforced error, gifting the No.31 seed the match after two hours.
Sevastova next faces Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk, who defeated Russian Daria Kasatkina in straight sets to advance to the second round.
Estonian Anett Kontaveit rallied from a set down to overcome American Danielle Collins 5-7 6-2 6-2. After a close first set that saw Collins gain the upperhand, it was all Kontaveit for the rest of the match. The 14th seed hit 30 winners and committed just 14 unforced errors to Collins's 32. Furthermore, she was aided by nine double faults by her American opponent, who seemed to grow frustrated during the match. Kontaveit will face unseeded Slovenian Kaja Juvan in the second round.
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