Coco Gauff advanced into the tournament’s fourth round with a 6-3 6-4 victory over Spain’s Cristina Bucsa, extending a run that now includes five straight years reaching the second week at Flushing Meadows. The 22-year-old, listed in the draw as the 2025 French Open winner, added another eight straight-set WTA Tour-level wins to her recent form, recovering from 3-1 down in the opening set and responding quickly after being broken in the second. Her measured approach drew attention after the match, and she said, "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'." She also acknowledged the home crowd and expectations, adding, "There's expectations, being American, and I want to do well in front of the fans." On last year’s pressures she said, "Last year, I put so much pressure on myself. I'm enjoying the experience out here."
Madison Keys suffered a dramatic reversal against China’s Zheng Qinwen, surrendering a 5-0 lead in the final set and losing 1-6 7-6 (7-3) 7-5 after failing to convert a match point. The 31-year-old had earlier shown resilience by saving five match points to beat Anna Bondar in round two, but the loss to Zheng exposed wavering confidence at critical moments. Keys described the collapse bluntly, saying, "I obviously got off to a really good lead, and then I got really scared, like I couldn't swing [the racquet]." She added, "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 accepted the need for change, saying, "I feel like I've been struggling for a while now. I'm going to have to make some sort of changes... I actually need to do something about it."
Former finalist Amanda Anisimova exited in straight sets to Anastasia Potapova, the Russian-born Austrian seeded 24th, departing before the tournament reached its second week. The 25-year-old was visibly frustrated during the match, losing serve multiple times in both sets and failing to find a way back into contention. With Anisimova gone, American depth in the women’s draw has narrowed, though the U.S. still has multiple players who can advance.
American interest remains alive. If Iva Jovic progresses, she would join Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Taylor Townsend and Emma Navarro, creating the possibility of as many as five American women in the last 16. The men’s draw already features strong U.S. representation, with Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul and Alex Michelsen through, and Learner Tien and Michael Zheng yet to play.
Gauff moves into the fourth round with momentum and rising expectations. Keys and Anisimova leave the tournament facing immediate questions about form and next steps as the tour moves on to upcoming events. The results reshape the American picture at Flushing Meadows, tightening the spotlight on those who remain and on the choices the eliminated players must make next.
