When Coco Gauff steps onto Arthur Ashe Stadium, there is always an air of expectation. At just 20 years old, the American has become one of the most electric presences in tennis, drawing crowds not only with her athletic prowess but also with her energy, resilience, and charisma. This year’s US Open has been no exception, and Gauff’s journey took another thrilling step as she battled her way into the second week with a gritty victory over French opposition.
Her performance, described as a “French finish” by many observers, was as dramatic as it was significant. Facing Ajla Tomljanović earlier tested her patience, but against a stubborn French opponent in the third round, she displayed composure that has often eluded younger players. With the stakes high and the spotlight brighter than ever, Gauff showed that she is not just surviving at the US Open—she is learning how to thrive.
A Battle Worthy of the Stage
The match was everything Arthur Ashe crowds hope for: tense rallies, powerful exchanges, and a rollercoaster of momentum swings. Gauff started the contest aggressively, leaning into her big serve and dictating points with her forehand. Yet her opponent refused to fold, matching Gauff shot-for-shot in the baseline exchanges and forcing her into uncomfortable defensive patterns.
At times, frustration crept into Gauff’s body language. She rolled her eyes after unforced errors, muttered under her breath after missed opportunities, and looked toward her coaching box for reassurance. But unlike earlier in her career, when such moments could spiral into extended lapses, Gauff steadied herself when it mattered most.
By the third set, the atmosphere inside Ashe was electric. Every point won by Gauff brought the crowd to its feet, while her French opponent earned admiration for her grit and refusal to give in. Ultimately, it was Gauff’s ability to deliver under pressure that proved decisive. She broke serve late in the final set and never looked back, sealing the win with a trademark forehand winner that sent the crowd into raptures.
Growth in Real Time
This victory was about more than just reaching the second week of the US Open—it was about the growth Gauff has demonstrated over the past year.
Her tactical decision-making has improved noticeably. Against the French opponent, she mixed in timely drop shots, used her slice to break up rhythm, and chose smart moments to come forward. These are the kinds of subtle adjustments that separate contenders from champions.
Equally important has been her emotional maturity. Gauff has admitted in the past that she sometimes allows nerves and pressure to overwhelm her. On this night, however, she showed a level of poise and resilience befitting a player who has learned from both triumphs and disappointments on the tour.
The Weight of Expectation
Of course, no conversation about Gauff can ignore the weight of expectation. Ever since her breakout run at Wimbledon in 2019, when she stunned Venus Williams as a 15-year-old, she has been labeled as the “next big thing” in American tennis. That kind of spotlight can crush young athletes.
But Gauff has embraced it differently. She doesn’t shy away from acknowledging pressure; instead, she reframes it as opportunity. After her third-round win, she admitted the journey hasn’t always been easy but credited the fans for lifting her in difficult moments.
“I just want to thank you guys,” she told the Arthur Ashe crowd. “Every time I play here, I feel your energy. Tonight, you carried me through.”
The Significance of the “French Finish”
What makes this particular victory even more meaningful is the opponent: a French player known for her defensive tenacity and tactical cunning. Historically, French players have been some of the trickiest for Gauff, forcing her into longer rallies and exploiting her impatience.
This time, however, Gauff flipped the script. Instead of letting frustration dictate the match, she dictated play. Her “French finish” was symbolic—not just a win over a specific opponent, but proof that she can overcome styles and strategies that once gave her trouble.
It also serves as a reminder of her growth on the international stage. French tennis has long prided itself on its creativity and variety. To conquer that challenge at the US Open is no small feat.
What’s Next for Gauff?
Reaching the second week of a Slam is becoming more familiar for Gauff, but this run feels different. With Serena and Venus Williams retired, the American tennis public is eager for a new standard bearer. Gauff has not shied away from this role.
The road ahead is daunting. The draw only gets tougher from here, with top seeds and former champions lurking. But Gauff’s confidence is growing match by match, and her ability to channel the energy of New York crowds gives her an edge few players can match.
If she continues to balance power with poise, there is no reason she cannot push deep into the second week—and perhaps even beyond.
Bigger Than Tennis
What makes Coco Gauff such a compelling figure is that her influence goes beyond the sport itself. She speaks openly about mental health, social issues, and the importance of using her platform for good. She connects with fans in a way that feels authentic, making her not just a tennis star, but a cultural voice for her generation.
Her “French finish” at the US Open was about more than just a tennis match. It was about resilience, growth, and connection. It was about showing fans that she can endure the tough moments, embrace the pressure, and still find joy in the battle.
As she moves into the second week of the tournament, Gauff carries with her not just the hopes of American tennis, but also the belief that joy and resilience can coexist—even on the biggest stage in the sport.
