This Sunday, the American Coco Gauff defeated the Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka in the final of the United States Open to win her first Grand Slam title, becoming the third teen champion of the last major of the season.
At 19 years old, the young number six in the world beat the leader of the WTA ranking this Monday in three sets, 2-6, 6-3 and 6-2, to make history in Flushing Meadows, after recovering from a disadvantage of one ‘set’ to zero.
In the first set, Sabalenka, very aggressive, presented a more varied game and, between open angles, cuts and climbs to the net, managed to close the 39-minute set, thanks to eight winners against three of her opponent. who only took advantage of one break in four opportunities, unlike the Belarusian who achieved three in six break points.
In the second game, Gauff clung to the support of the public in the game and, maintaining a notable defensive capacity, returned more balls and forced more errors from his rival, who suffered a ‘break’ in the fourth game, after committing his fourth double. . him losing the challenge.
Thanks to the break in serve, the North American, who recorded seven unforced errors compared to Sabalenka’s 16, sent the decision to the third set and made the stands, full of multiple sports and television stars, including more than 20 thousand. spectators who filled Arthur Ashe Stadium.
In the last half, Coco Gauff broke the entry, confirmed her service game and also achieved the double break immediately after. Backed 3-0, the American maintained her consistency, but, after her opponent physically broke down, having requested medical assistance for her left leg, she was still broken on her serve.
With just a ‘break’ advantage, Gauff did not flinch and, being faithful to his strategy and impeccable in defense, ended the discussion for the trophy after two hours and six minutes, prioritizing regularity and defensive play over power and aggressiveness of the Belarusian.
In the end, looking at the statistics, the new champion registered 13 winners and 19 unforced errors compared to the 25 winning points and 46 unprovoked fouls of Sabalenka, champion of the Australian Open and the only tennis player this season to reach the semifinals in All Tournaments. season tournaments.
Coco Gauff, who will rise to third place in the world singles hierarchy and share first place in the doubles ranking with her compatriot Jéssica Pegula, adds to the 16 titles of her career, four of which were won this season, the US title. Open, triumphing in the competition honors over the Polish Iga Swiatek, in the second final of a ‘major’, after the defeat at Roland Garros, last year.
Source: TSF
