Coco Gauff inches closer to second U.S. Open championship with straight sets R4 win

Gauff has arguably not played better at this year's tournament, raising hopes for her camp that she may be peaking at the right time. Per USOpen.com match data, Gauff finished the match with more winners (18) than unforced errors (15). She also picked her attacking spots wisely, being credited with 16 net points on 22 approaches.

Her defense was also exceptional. Jovic only won 42 percent of her points on first serve and was held to nine net points on 18 approaches. Overall, Gauff won 56 percent of her receiving points, her highest rate through four tournament matches.

Gauff's best highlight Monday came during a fantastic 24-shot rally during Jovic's serve that ended when Gauff made a quick recovery after chasing down a shot, firing a forehand winner to a roaring crowd.

The fourth-round win sets up a favorable match for Gauff in the quarters, at least based on previous meetings. No. 5 seed Mirra Andreeva, 19, awaits, and Gauff has won each of the pair's previous five meetings. Four of those came on clay, with the most recent in May at the 2026 Italian Open quarterfinals. They've met once previously at the U.S. Open, during Gauff's 2023 title run.

Andreeva won 2026 Roland-Garros for her first grand slam title and has already advanced farther than in three previous U.S. Open appearances, making this potentially Gauff's toughest challenge in six meetings.

With a win, the two-time major champion would advance to her seventh grand slam semifinal. It would also mark only the second time in her career that she reached two in one season.

But with Andreeva coming into her own, advancing won't be easy. It will take an elite effort. Sort of like the one Gauff had on Monday.