The 2022 finalist moved on to an impressive 18-4 match record at Roland-Garros
©Julien Crosnier / FFTCoco Gauff continues to swat aside her opponents in Paris with a commanding 6-2, 6-4 triumph over Dayana Yastremska on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Despite a late surge from Yastremska, the 2022 runner-up is yet to drop a set over three rounds and advances to take on world No.51 Elisabetta Cocciaretto.
The first opening popped up at 1-1, with Gauff's deep return forcing Yastremska to strike a wayward backhand on the back foot.
With that opening break Gauff thrived as the front runner, hitting her spots with the right blend of shots to keep the Ukrainian guessing.
Yastremska, an Australian Open semi-finalist as a qualifier back in January, simply wasn’t allowed to find her groove. At 5-2 down, the world No.32 struck two booming forehand return winners down the line. Gauff didn't flinch, stuck to her plan and strolled to the sit-down up a set.
The No.3 seed's first serve wasn't landing and Yastremska opened up a window of opportunity with two straight games from 0-1 down.
Gauff again didn't flinch, the full range of her shots were too imposing. At 4-2 the 2023 US Open champion showed her class with a forehand lob arched over the back-pedalling Yastremksa.
The remaining games became more sticky for Gauff. The 30th seed was digging in, saving match point to eventually break in an undulating 10-minute game. Yastremska's building belief was exemplified by a blistering backhand down the line and a forehand return skimming the tramline.
There was another chance for Gauff to serve out the victory at 5-4, but an untimely double fault opened the door for Yastremska. Once again Gauff remained unfazed and just about found the answers.
Escaping from these tense seesaw moments is how the American has assembled an impressive 18-4 record in Paris in just five main draw appearances.
©Julien Crosnier / FFTGauff has openly admitted her struggles on serve this clay swing.
The American could only find the box with 47 per cent of first serves. On top of that, the 20-year-old finished with an 8-24 winners to unforced errors ratio.
Saying that, it's promising for the world No.3 that she can dictate a match with her second delivery and strength across the court.
There is plenty of room for improvement and plenty of Grand Slam pedigree; Gauff fans should be very happy heading into the second week once again.
On closing out the match: "I played her in Madrid and she plays really well from behind," said Gauff, recalling her 6-4, 6-1 victory last month. "I knew closing the match would be difficult. She hit some great shots, but I should have closed it out on my serve, got a little unlucky.
"In the last game, she hit two, three balls on the edge of the line, so it got very difficult. I had to stay mentally focused and not get too mad. I'm glad I was able to push through."
On her expectations: "I'd say I was more nervous in Australia in the opening rounds. Now, I'm just one match at a time. It's something I accomplished (winning a Grand Slam), but I think it’s important to stay in the moment.
"I expect great things from myself, but I don't want to put too much pressure on myself. At 20, I want to be playing for at least another 10 years, so it's a long process."
On her parents' role in Team Coco: "They're kind of swapping. Usually Grand Slams they're both here, but for the clay season it was just my mom, my dad was with my brothers, sometimes it's just my dad, sometimes just me. It's nice to have them around, especially on your days off to spend it with someone. My brothers are very understanding and my parents, I'm very thankful for them."
On Cocciaretto: "I played her in Dubai this year (6-1, 7-5 to Gauff). She's definitely a fighter. Even though it's her first time in a (Grand Slam) fourth round, she doesn’t give up until you shake hands. It’s going to be a difficult match, I'll be ready."
ROLAND-GARROS
19 May - 8 June 2025
