As the last Grand Slam tournament of the season, the US Open unfolds, all eyes will be on Coco Gauff. The American sensation will step on the court for the first time as the defending champion of a Grand Slam event, having won the tournament last year. Despite not being in the best of form, the 20-year-old remains a strong favorite to win the title in New York. With excitement riding high for Gauff, she can’t wait to begin her journey at the US Open. Her first hurdle will come in the form of Varvara Gracheva.

The Russian-born French star Gracheva can be a tricky opponent, and Gauff must be at her best to see off the opening hurdle. Let’s find out how the odds stack up for the two.

Coco Gauff vs Varvara Gracheva: Preview

Going into the US Open, form hasn’t been on Gauff’s side. She has had early exits at the tournaments lately. The World No. 3 last won a title at the ASB Classic earlier this year. However, that victory came more than seven months ago and the American sensation has yet to win a title since. Although she has been successful in doubles this year, winning the French Open title, Gauff has had an inconsistent run in singles. At the recently concluded Cincinnati Open, she suffered a shocking defeat in the second round. The third seed will have to pull up her socks, if she is to win the title at the US Open.

Like Gauff, Gracheva hasn’t had the best season of her career this year. She suffered a series of first-round defeats and is yet to win a title in 2024. However, she has put on a few inspirational performances and Gauff will be wary of the challenge that she may pose. Gracheva reached the fourth round of the French Open, defeating Maria Sakkari en route. Additionally, she also took a set off Iga Swiatek at the Cincinnati Open, before succumbing to defeat. The French star would look to put her best foot forward against the defending champion tomorrow.

Gauff vs Gracheva: Head-to-head

While Coco Gauff has played in most of the big tournaments this year, Gracheva is often seen playing the lower-rung tournaments, apart from a few big tournaments. As a result, the duo hasn’t met often on the WTA Tour, with their only faceoff coming at the ASB Classic this year. In that quarterfinal encounter, Gauff took no time to send Gracheva packing, as she won in straight sets by 6-1, 6-1. Gauff will aim to continue her winning run over Gracheva and find some momentum in the early stages of the tournament.

Prediction: Gauff to have it easy against Gracheva

“Obviously, coming in as defending champion is a little bit of pressure, but also more of a privilege, because my new motto is: ‘If you defend, that means you won something before,’” Gauff said ahead of her US Open clash against Gracheva. Going into the tournament as the defending champion, pressure will be on Gauff to deliver to the fans’ expectations. However, she couldn’t have asked for a better draw at the tournament.

Gauff, ranked 3rd in the world, faces a lesser-known Gracheva, who is at the 66th spot in the WTA rankings chart. Further, Gracheva is predominantly a clay-court player, while Coco Gauff enjoys playing on the hard courts and will have the support of the home crowd at Flushing Meadows.

Talking about the win-loss record of these two players this year, Gracheva has lost as many as 21 matches out of the 44 that she has played on the WTA Tour. On the other hand, Gauff enjoys a 36-13 win-loss record in 2024. Considering these statistics and their head-to-head record, Coco Gauff looks like a strong favorite to win the match in straight sets. Their match will take place tomorrow at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.