It was not so long ago that Coco Gauff was the teenage sensation looking to cause an upset at the US Open.

Now, at the grand old age of 22, she is the Grand Slam champion and leading WTA Tour star who drew on her experience to deal with talented 18-year-old Iva Jovic at Flushing Meadows.

Fourth seed Gauff found her finest level of the fortnight to beat fellow American Jovic in a 6-1 6-4 win which secured her place in the quarter-finals.

Gauff’s comfortable progress ensured the top six seeds have reached the US Open women’s last eight for the first time since 1998, further illustrating the strength in depth at the top of the WTA Tour.

Gauff, who won the 2023 title in New York, continues her quest for a third major title against French Open champion Mirra Andreeva on Wednesday.

The pair are among five Grand Slam winners in a strong quarter-final line-up which also features reigning Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen.

“The women’s field is in such a healthy, strong position,” former world number five Daniela Hantuchova said on BBC Radio 5 Live.

“It’s one of those tournaments where anyone can take it from here.”

Jovic is already ranked well inside the top 20 and predicted for even greater things, meaning the fourth-round match was seen by some as a potential banana skin for Gauff.

Gauff – who could become world number one if she wins the title – responded with a resounding victory.

The pair immediately put each other under pressure in a physical start to the match, exchanging breaks of serve as the opening three games consisted of 24 points and stretched over 17 minutes.

It gave little indication to how Gauff would be able to quickly seize control.

But once she broke again for 3-1 she was able to continue pounding Jovic’s defence with her consistency from the baseline.

Signs of the emotional energy which 14th seed Jovic exerted in her previous victory over her close friend Alexandra Eala – an epic lasting over three hours – started to show as Gauff won 13 of the final 15 points to wrap up the opening set in 33 minutes.

But the way Jovic bounced back in a competitive second set illustrated why she is so highly rated.

The teenager, who has Serb parents and has been mentored by Novak Djokovic, showed her mental resolve to fight off four break points and rediscovered her ability to land explosive winners.

Jovic could not save a fifth as she trailed 3-2 and although she instantly broke back, Gauff’s supreme athleticism and quality continued to wear her more inexperienced opponent down.

“Iva is an incredible player and an incredible talent, she plays beyond her years,” said Gauff.

“I’m looking forward to many more battles out here, I’m sure we will be playing a lot more matches in the future.”