The anticipation is palpable as Coco Gauff prepares to face Croatia’s seasoned campaigner Donna Vekić. Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion, barely saw victory slip through her grasp, surviving 6-4, 6-7(2), 7-5 in a match defined by 59 unforced errors and 10 double faults. Meanwhile, Vekić bounced back from dropping the first set to Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, rallying to a 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 victory to advance into the second round.
Gauff’s 2025 season is a mix of highs and growing pains. She captured her first French Open singles title with a dramatic comeback over Aryna Sabalenka, securing her second career Grand Slam. However, despite the victory, persistent serving woes (around 320 double-faults in 47 matches) prompted her to part ways with coach Matt Daly on the eve of the US Open, replacing him with biomechanics specialist Gavin MacMillan to overhaul her serve on the fly.
Coco Gauff vs. Donna Vekic Match Details
- Date: Aug. 28, 2025
- Tournament: US Open
- Round: Second Round
- Venue: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows, Queens, New York City
- Category: Grand Slam
- Surface: Outdoor hard
- Live telecast: ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN+, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV and Sling TV
Gauff vs. Vekic Head-to-Head
Their head-to-head is currently tied at 1–1, with each player having claimed one victory against the other. The first meeting took place in the Round of 16 at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Vekić upset Gauff in straight sets, winning 7–6(7), 6–2. Their most recent encounter came at the 2025 United Cup in Australia, during the round-robin phase, where Gauff got her revenge, defeating Vekić 6–4, 6–2.
Gauff vs. Vekic Prediction
Gauff enters the US Open with a 2025 season record of 35–12 (74%) in singles competition. Her season reflected strong performance overall, including deep runs in both Madrid and Rome, followed by her second Grand Slam title at Roland Garros.
Donna Vekić’s official win-loss record on hard courts stands at a concerning 7-11. However, her comeback victory in the first round of the US Open made it clear that she entered with sheer confidence.
Coco Gauff is on to the next round of the US Open 🙌 pic.twitter.com/CQOK2J8HJB
— ESPN (@espn) August 27, 2025
Gauff’s game relies on aggressive baseline control, powerful groundstrokes, and exceptional court coverage, especially on hard surfaces. Her physicality and ability to redirect pace force opponents onto the defensive. Vekić, in contrast, has an all-court approach rooted in powerful first serves, flat groundstrokes, and variety. This includes drop shots and changes of pace, capable of unsettling rhythm-based players.
Gauff fired 138 aces this season across 48 matches, with return games won at 46.1%. However, her serve has proven volatile. She leads the tour with 320 double faults in 47 matches, adding major concerns to her chances of going deep at the US Open.
>Donna Vekić counters with 103 aces, 153 double faults, a first-serve percentage of 55.4%, winning 67.6% of first-serve points and 41.8% of second-serve points.
Considering the stats, Gauff holds the upper hand with her superior movement and aggressive baseline game. If she minimizes her double faults and stabilizes her serve, she’s positioned to dominate extended rallies and apply constant pressure.
Prediction: Gauff to win in three sets
