Rybakina, Gauff advance as Zverev launches US Open campaign

New York, September 2 — Elena Rybakina and Coco Gauff advanced to the second round of the US Open on Tuesday as men's top seed Alexander Zverev began his campaign. Rybakina, aiming for her third Grand Slam title and world number one ranking, defeated US teen Thea Frodin 6-3, 6-2. Gauff displayed her improved serve in a confident 6-3, 6-4 win over 53rd-ranked Zeynep Sonmez of Turkey.

Gauff dominated the first set before Sonmez rebounded, taking the lead in the second set before Gauff rebounded once more. "I think I was just trying not to panic," Gauff commented. "She started coming to the net and playing great tennis." "That 3-all game was real important," Gauff added, saving three break points in the sixth game and breaking in the next for a lead she didn't relinquish.

Rybakina and fourth-ranked Gauff are two of three players, including No. 3 Jessica Pegula, who could challenge current world ranking leader Aryna Sabalenka in New York. Gauff would need a second US Open title to replace Sabalenka, while Rybakina could achieve it by reaching the semi-finals. Rybakina showed no sign of the left heel injury that kept her out of her Cincinnati quarter-final this month, winning her first match since the injury with poise.

She credited her early success to her training and careful management of her recovery. Zverev, who won his first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros this year, opened his bid for another title against Lorenzo Sonego in the nightcap on Ashe. Fifth-seeded Flavio Cobolli, who beat Argentina's Francisco Comesana in a four-hour, 13-minute marathon, made his return to competitive play after a lengthy absence.