“For the most part I played aggressive,” said Gauff, who won the Cincinnati Open in 2023 before going on to win the US Open that year.

“Maybe there were a couple that were a little bit passive in some of those games but it’s tough – the balls are super light and she wasn’t giving me much pace.

“I was just trying to play controlled but also aggressive and, for the most part, I think I did well.”

Gauff will next face Italy’s Jasmine Paolini, who won 6-1 6-2 against Barbora Krejcikova of the Czech Republic.

Two-time Grand Slam champion Krejcikova, who needed a medical timeout in the second set, was beaten in 71 minutes.

“I think she wasn’t at 100%, but she’s an unbelievable player,” said Paolini.

“She can put the ball wherever she wants every time. I don’t know how she does this. But I’m happy that I tried to stay there mentally until the last point.”