Coco Gauff moved into the US Open fourth round on Saturday, defeating Spain’s Cristina Bucsa 6-3, 6-4 on Arthur Ashe Stadium after a sharp, entertaining contest filled with inventive net play and rapid defensive coverage.
Gauff beats Bucsa to reach US Open fourth round
The No. 4 seed recovered from an early break deficit against world No. 40 Bucsa, who brought the variety expected of a Paris Olympic doubles bronze medallist and repeatedly tested Gauff with changes of pace and touch.
One of the standout exchanges arrived with Bucsa serving at 3-2 and deuce in the opening set. Following an 18-shot rally from the back of the court, the Spaniard moved forward to play a soft drop volley. Gauff chased down the ball and turned the point into a fierce exchange at the net, sending a backhand volley deep enough to appear in control.
Bucsa, however, scrambled back behind the baseline and drilled a forehand pass down the line to finish a point described on court as among the tournament’s finest.
Gauff did not let that moment alter the set’s direction. She broke back, took control of the scoreboard and closed out the opener 6-3.
Touch and speed decide second set
The American’s court coverage again proved decisive at 2-2 in the second set. A net cord initially gave Gauff an opening, forcing Bucsa to sprint forward. The 28-year-old responded with a clever drop shot and then a precisely placed lob to regain the initiative.
Gauff kept the pressure on with another drop shot, making Bucsa race to the forecourt once more. This time, the former US Open champion found the angle, wrong-footing her opponent with a cross-court passing shot.
Gauff completed the straight-sets win, 6-3, 6-4, and will next face No. 14 seed Iva Jovic in an all-American fourth-round match.
SEO Title: Coco Gauff defeats Cristina Bucsa to reach US Open fourth round
SEO Description: No. 4 seed Coco Gauff overcame Cristina Bucsa 6-3, 6-4 on Arthur Ashe Stadium and will play Iva Jovic in the US Open fourth round.
