Confident Gauff reaches US Open 2nd round with straight-set win

Fourth-seeded Coco Gauff secured her place in the second round of the 2026 US Open with a convincing victory over 53rd-ranked Zeynep Sonmez. The match was a hard-hitting affair, primarily played from the baseline, with Gauff breaking Sonmez's serve only once. Gauff, who won the New York Grand Slam in 2023, expressed her delight at returning to the court, praising the vibrant atmosphere.

Coming into the tournament, Gauff had improved her serving, a key factor that helped her overcome her service struggles from the previous year. Gauff dominated the first set, failing to face a break point, while Sonmez struggled to return Gauff's powerful serves or challenge her on the court. In the second set, Sonmez made a more substantial effort, utilizing heavy ground strokes and clever net approaches to keep the point alive, but Gauff maintained her composure, breaking Sonmez's serve again to secure a 3-3 tiebreak.

Gauff emphasized the importance of keeping her opponents challenged throughout the match, and her ability to do so ultimately led to her triumph.