Coco Gauff progressed to the fourth round of the US Open by defeating Spain's Cristina Bucsa 6-3 6-4, marking her 19th appearance in the round of 16 at a Grand Slam. The performance came on a difficult day for American women's tennis in New York, as two other home contenders—Amanda Anisimova and Madison Keys—were eliminated from the tournament.
Gauff, who won the US Open in 2023 and remains the most recent American champion at the event, did not dominate throughout her match but showed resilience to secure victory. The 22-year-old recovered from a 3-1 deficit in the opening set and responded immediately after being broken to love in the second, demonstrating improved composure compared to previous years at her home major.
The day's results left American women's hopes mixed heading into the second week. As many as five American women could still reach the fourth round, with Gauff joining Jessica Pegula, Taylor Townsend and Emma Navarro already through, and Iva Jovic still to play. In the men's draw, American players could feature in as many as six of the eight fourth-round matches, with Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul and Alex Michelsen having advanced, while Learner Tien and Michael Zheng remain in contention.
How did Keys squander her commanding position?
Madison Keys appeared destined for the fourth round after establishing a 5-0 lead in the third set against Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen. However, the American's grip on the match unravelled dramatically. According to reporting on the match, Zheng won the final seven games consecutively to claim a 1-6, 7-6(3), 7-5 victory that stunned the crowd.
Keys, the 2025 Australian Open winner, had also squandered a match point during the encounter. The 31-year-old described the psychological collapse she experienced during the final set, explaining how her confidence evaporated despite her strong position.
I obviously got off to a really good lead, and then I got really scared, like I couldn't swing [the racquet]. I felt like I couldn't play tennis anymore. It just felt like it was a much bigger deal than just playing a tennis match all of a sudden.
Keys acknowledged that her struggles extended beyond this single match, noting that she had been underperforming for an extended period. She went out in the fourth round at the other three majors in 2026, and the American indicated that structural changes to her approach would be necessary.
I feel like I've been struggling for a while now. I'm going to have to make some sort of changes. I just kind of keep putting it off because that's how the tennis world works. It's just to the point where I actually need to do something about it.
This marked Keys' first US Open fourth-round appearance since 2023, and the loss was particularly painful given her previous experience at the event—she reached the final in 2017, where she lost to fellow American Sloane Stephens.
What happened to Anisimova's title defence hopes?
Amanda Anisimova, who reached the US Open final in the previous year and lost to world number one Aryna Sabalenka, departed the tournament in straight sets. According to match reports, the 25-year-old fell to 24th seed Anastasia Potapova of Austria with a score of 6-2, 7-5.
Anisimova displayed visible frustration throughout the contest, losing her serve twice in the first set and four times across a volatile second set. The performance represented a disappointing exit for the American, who had been considered among the stronger contenders heading into the tournament.
How is Gauff managing the pressure of playing at home?
Gauff's advancement to the fourth round marks her fifth consecutive year reaching the second week at the US Open. The American became the first teenage player from her country to win the US Open since Serena Williams in 1999 when she claimed her breakthrough major title three years ago.
The 2025 French Open winner arrived at the tournament in excellent form, having recorded eight consecutive straight-set victories at WTA Tour level. Her performance against Bucsa extended that winning streak while also demonstrating improved mental resilience compared to her previous campaigns at the event.
Gauff acknowledged the unique pressure that comes with competing at her home Grand Slam, particularly given the expectations placed upon her since childhood. However, she indicated that familiarity with reaching the second week had helped normalise the experience.
I feel like I'm used to getting to the second week now. I woke up today and I was like 'oh we're already in round three'. There's expectations, being American, and I want to do well in front of the fans. Last year, I put so much pressure on myself. I'm enjoying the experience out here.
The fourth round has been a stumbling block for Gauff in the previous two editions of the tournament, with her US Open challenge ending at that stage in both 2024 and 2025. Her ability to progress further this year would represent a significant breakthrough in her quest for a second US Open title.
What comes next for the American contingent?
The women's and men's singles fourth round matches are scheduled for 6-7 September, according to the official tournament schedule. Gauff's next opponent is projected to be either Iva Jovic or Alexandra Eala, depending on the outcome of their third-round match.
The strong American presence in both the men's and women's draws suggests that the home nation could have substantial representation in the round of 16, with the potential for multiple all-American matchups if the current trends continue.
