Fans were still pouring into Arthur Ashe Stadium, riding the escalators, weaving through the concourses and making their way toward their seats, when a public address announcement cut through the pre-match bustle.
American Express was offering two spectators a complimentary upgrade: a chance to leave the upper reaches of the stadium behind and watch two of tennis’ most exciting young players from far closer to the court.
There was just one catch. Only 27 minutes into this US Open fourth-round match, Coco Gauff was already hurtling toward the quarterfinals. The No 4 seed had effectively boarded her own American Express, while Iva Jovic was disappearing rapidly in the distance.
So much for the gripping showdown many had anticipated. Jovic, just 18 yet already ranked No 14 in the world, was being handed a harsh education by Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion and, at the grand old age of 22, the more seasoned figure on this stage.
By the time Gauff wrapped up the opening set in little more than half an hour, it looked entirely possible that the match would be finished before that fortunate pair had even settled properly into their upgraded seats.
Instead, Jovic showed some of the grit and stylish shot-making that has carried her to the cusp of the world’s top 10 barely a year after stepping up from the juniors full-time. She clung on to Gauff for another hour before finally succumbing 6-1 6-4. There is no shame in that – this was her first trip to the fourth round. It won’t be her last.
Coco Gauff beat teenage rival Iva Jovic in an all-American US Open showdown on Monday
Jovic, who is only 18 but already ranked No 14 in the world, was beaten 6-1 6-4
Gauff, the 2023 champion and elder stateswoman at 22, will now face Mirra Andreeva
As for Gauff? The 2023 champion marches on to the last eight, where she will fancy her chances of securing a second US Open title in four years. First up, though? Another teenage sensation stands in her way: Mirra Andreeva, the 19-year-old French Open champion.
Two years ago, Jovic’s US Open debut ended in the shadow of this vast arena. In searing temperatures out on Court 12, in a second-round showdown with Ekaterina Alexandrova, the American – then just 16 – was beaten by the elements as much as by her opponent.
Medics rushed on to court as Jovic burned under the New York sun. They checked her blood pressure and her pulse. Early on Monday evening, under the bright lights of Arthur Ashe, there was little evidence that Jovic would wilt once more.
She raced out the blocks, winning the opening arm wrestles to break Gauff at the first opportunity.
Before long, however, Jovic was threatening to implode. Gauff won six straight games in just 30 minutes to take the first set 6-1. The No 4 seed had one foot in the quarterfinals.
Jovic did not win a service game until the opening game of the second set. It was sealed with a tremendous backhand passing shot and the teenager marked this small mercy by bending at the waist and pumping her fist.
But to keep her US Open dreams alive, Jovic needed to do more than stop the bleeding. And to her credit, the 18-year-old began to land some blows of her own.
Inside Arthur Ashe, the noise levels ratcheted up as a tug of war broke out, dragging both players around the court.
Alas, even as Jovic grew into this match, Gauff refused to budge. The No 4 seed put her finger to her ear after winning a titanic rally and then broke serve. Jovic responded immediately, only for Gauff to regain her advantage and then seal her spot in the quarterfinals.
Jovic rushed off court but the teenager will be back on Arthur Ashe before too long. This was a breakout year that saw Jovic reach the fourth round at Wimbledon and the Australian Open quarterfinals.
Gauff knows better than most about the challenges of turning teenage promise into major titles. Four years separated her historic win over Venus Williams at Wimbledon and a first major triumph in New York.
And in each of the past two years, Gauff’s hopes of landing another US Open title were ended in the fourth round. This time, she stepped over that hurdle and the 22-year-old has reached the quarterfinals without dropping a set.