Dhaka, Aug. 30 -- A tearful Coco Gauff thanked superstar gymnast Simone Biles for bringing a "bit of calm" as she found a way to beat Croatia's Donna Vekic in the US Open second round.

Gauff, 21, was reduced to tears by more double faults before settling to win 7-6, (7-5), 6-2 on a supportive Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Seven-time Olympic gold medallist Biles was among the New York crowd as third seed Gauff toiled in a first set which was excruciating to watch at times.

On seeing Biles providing support in the stands, Gauff said: "She helped me pull it out."I thought if she can go on a six-inch beam with all the pressures in the world then I can hit the ball into this court.

"It brought me a little bit of calm. She is an inspiration to me an...