(CNN) — Defending champion Coco Gauff rallied from a set all the way down to win her US Open third spherical match in opposition to Elina Svitolina on Friday.

The American struggled to impose herself in a really tight opening set however upped her ranges because the encounter wore on to win 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 and hold her title protection alive.

The Arthur Ashe Stadium stood to applaud Gauff after she lastly clinched match level, a definite distinction to the nervous power across the well-known court docket after the 20-year-old had initially gone behind.

However Gauff was in a position to get the gang off its toes as she started to dominate her opponent, sometimes orchestrating her followers to make extra noise after profitable factors.

“I used to be utilizing them to my benefit,” Gauff informed Sky Sports activities when requested concerning the crowd.

“They at all times give me power. So yeah, I used to be simply attempting my greatest to remain calm, you realize, generally adrenaline can get an excessive amount of.”

After profitable the primary set, Svitolina’s shoulders appeared to drop and errors began creeping into her recreation as Gauff tied the match.

The momentum stayed with teen at the beginning of the deciding set as she broke serve on the first try.

However her Ukrainian opponent wasn’t going away and not using a struggle and Svitolina managed to decelerate Gauff’s seemingly inevitable march to the subsequent spherical.

Even when the American had three match factors on her serve, Svitolina capitlized on her opponent’s uncertainty to interrupt again.

“It was a troublesome match. I bought a bit bit nervous on the finish however I used to be capable of finding my nerves and simply attempt once more and focus,” Gauff added.

“I’m general very proud of how I performed. Elina (Svitolina) is just not a straightforward participant in any respect, particularly so early within the match.”

Gauff attempting to have enjoyable

The 2023 US Open champion will now face fellow American Emma Navarro within the fourth spherical. Within the fourth spherical at Wimbledon this yr, Navarro bested Gauff 6-4, 6-3.

When requested whether or not she has her eyes set on the ultimate, Gauff mentioned she was simply targeted on taking in a single step at a time.

“I’m simply attempting to exit right here and have enjoyable. I do know from profitable one which simply from the fourth spherical, there’s nonetheless to date to go. So I’m simply targeted on the match in entrance of me.

“Right now, I wrote down in my journal that I don’t wish to depart with any regrets so no matter outcomes, I used to be simply attempting to present myself the very best alternative to win.”

The-CNN-Wire

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