Gauff downs Badosa to reach US Open third round

American tennis star Coco Gauff progressed to the third round of the US Open on Thursday, defeating Spain's Paula Badosa in a hard-fought match. Gauff triumphed 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) in just under two hours. The 22-year-old player, aiming for a repeat of her 2023 US Open win, had lost five of the eight previous encounters with Badosa. Gauff displayed a confident performance at 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."

Gauff broke Badosa's serve in the seventh game of the first set when the 28-year-old Spaniard mis-hit a risky drop shot into the net. Gauff held serve to love, leading 5-3, before sealing the set with another strong service game. In the second set, Badosa broke Gauff in the third game by attempting a delicate drop volley that fell short.

However, Badosa broke back to tie the set at 4-4 and later took a 5-4 lead. The two players exchanged breaks of serve, setting up a tie break. Gauff secured the victory when Badosa hit a backhand long.