Gauff sweeps to comeback win over Mertens

Coco Gauff swept the final 10 games to turn the tables on Elise Mertens and advance to the US Open fourth round 3-6, 6-3, 6-0 on Friday.

The major American hope at the last Grand Slam of the season was untouchable in the deciding set against her Belgian opponent.

The teenaged Gauff set up a second-week match at Flushing Meadows against  former No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki, who has made a return to the WTA at age 33 after quitting in 2020 and twice giving birth.

Gauff allowed  Mertens no oxygen as she stormed into the last 16 in New York.

“I was playing my hardest in the third set,” the 19-year-old said. “When I lost the first set I wanted to show that there is a lot of match to still play.”

The youngster earned her ninth career comeback win at a Grand Slam.

“Elise was playing well today,” the winner said. “I tried my best to win in straight sets, like I have in the past couple of weeks,” the August Cincinnati champion said.

“But a win is a win no matter how you get it.”

Gauff has won two of the three events she has played since a Wimbledon first-round loss, lifting trophies at Washington and Cincinnati last month. 

Main photo:- Coco Gauff celebrates as she wins third round match by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd