Gauff dominates Jovic to reach US Open quarter-finals
Coco Gauff defeated fellow American Iva Jovic 6-1 6-4 to advance to the US Open quarter-finals. The win ensures all top six seeds reached the last eight for the first time since 1998. Gauff will next face French Open champion Mirra Andreeva.
Gauff's fourth-round clash with Jovic, an 18-year-old ranked inside the top 20 and mentored by Novak Djokovic, began with a fiercely contested opening stretch. The first three games alone featured 24 points and spanned 17 minutes, though Gauff eventually seized control by winning 13 of the final 15 points in the opening set.
The result contributes to a historic tournament bracket, as all top six seeds reached the quarter-finals for the first time since 1998. Gauff, who could claim the world number one ranking with a title run, now faces Mirra Andreeva, while Elena Rybakina also moved closer to the top spot by defeating Naomi Osaka.
The remarkable depth of the women's field, highlighted by all top six seeds reaching the quarter-finals, could significantly boost the WTA Tour's mainstream visibility. This competitive balance may inspire younger players like Jovic, while also attracting broader viewership as multiple Grand Slam champions and Olympic medalists remain in contention. The potential for Gauff or Rybakina to ascend to world number one could further elevate the sport's profile, offering compelling narratives for casual fans and increasing media coverage of women's tennis.