Coco Gauff put her serving demons firmly behind her on Saturday, producing a dominant performance to sweep aside Poland’s Magdalena Frech 6-3, 6-1 and book her spot in the fourth round of the 2025 U.S. Open.
The 2022 Flushing Meadows champion, who just two nights earlier was left in tears after a second-round struggle with Donna Vekic, looked composed and clinical as she dismantled Frech in just one hour and 13 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium. With the victory, the 21-year-old American set up a blockbuster clash against four-time major winner Naomi Osaka, who later outlasted Daria Kasatkina 6-0, 4-6, 6-3.
Much of the pre-match focus remained on Gauff’s serve — a weapon that had faltered badly against Vekic but appeared rejuvenated against Frech. Recently working with biomechanics specialist Gavin MacMillan to refine her technique, Gauff responded to the New York crowd’s amplified encouragement with poise, landing 79 percent of first serves in the opening set and winning 64 percent of points behind them.
Even when adversity struck, Gauff never lost her grip. After racing to a 3-0 lead in the first set, she briefly allowed Frech back into contention, surrendering three straight games. But the American quickly steadied herself, digging out a crucial hold at 3-3 before breaking again for 5-3. A long forehand from Frech sealed the set for Gauff.
From there, it was one-way traffic. The second set showcased Gauff at her most efficient — 72 percent of first serves in, 85 percent of first-serve points won, and three of five break points converted. Frech’s resistance crumbled as Gauff surged to the finish line with commanding baseline play and unyielding pressure.
“Today I felt calm out there,” Gauff said afterward. “I knew if I trusted my serve and stayed aggressive, I’d be fine. The support from the crowd really lifted me.”
Her next test promises to be her toughest yet. Osaka, back at the U.S. Open for the first time since 2022, showed glimpses of her old brilliance in her three-set win over Kasatkina. The looming clash between Gauff and Osaka pits two of the sport’s brightest stars — and two former U.S. Open champions — against one another in a marquee second-week showdown.
For now, though, Gauff can breathe easier. The tears of frustration that marked her early struggles this week have given way to the smile of a contender rediscovering her rhythm at just the right time.
