Gauff downs Badosa to reach US Open third round

Coco Gauff advanced to the third round of the US Open on Thursday with a hard-fought win over Spain's Paula Badosa. Gauff secured a 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) victory in under two hours, advancing to face fellow Spaniard Cristina Bucsa. The 22-year-old American, who is aiming to repeat her 2023 US Open title, had lost five of her previous eight matches against Badosa.

Gauff demonstrated a confident performance in the Arthur Ashe Stadium evening session, stating, "I think I need matches like this to build my confidence. I'm happy how I managed today – there were a little bit of nerves. I knew she would raise her level. She's capable of blasting winners and blasting return winners."

After a solid start, Gauff broke Badosa in the seventh game of the first set when the 28-year-old Manhattan-born Spaniard mishit a risky drop shot into the net. Gauff held serve to love, taking a 5-3 lead before clinching the set with ease in the following service game. Badosa managed to break back in the third game of the second set, but Gauff quickly regained control, leveling the score at 5-5.

The two women exchanged breaks of serve to reach the tie break, where Gauff ultimately sealed the victory by having Badosa hit a backhand long.