By Janina Nuno Rios

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Coco Gauff said she felt more human allowing herself a moment of vulnerability under the primetime glare of Arthur Ashe Stadium, her tears and trembles visible to a crowd of 24,000 and millions watching at home, before reaching the U.S. Open third round.

After a three-set first-round victory that Gauff described as a mental battle, the 2023 champion once again faced a tough test against Donna Vekic on Thursday before claiming a 7-6(5) 6-2 second-round win.

A flurry of errors and persistent serving struggles left the third seed on the brink of dropping the opening set, as she wept into her towel after surrendering her serve in the ninth game.

The 21-year-old later spoke about the moment, describing it not as embarrassment but as a reminder of her

See Full Page