Gauff advances to US Open second round with straight-sets victory
The No. 4 seed secured an 80-minute win at Arthur Ashe Stadium, positioning herself for a potential first career World No. 1 ranking.
Coco Gauff has begun her defence of the US Open title with a decisive straight-sets victory over Zeynep Sönmez, moving one step closer to a historic career achievement. The American, who entered the tournament as the No. 4 seed, defeated the Turkish player 6-3, 6-4 in an 80-minute contest at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The match was played under the roof, sparing Gauff from the rain that affected other fixtures at Flushing Meadows. Gauff established early dominance, with her serve repeatedly exceeding 120 mph. Although Sönmez mounted a spirited challenge in the second set, winning three consecutive games and holding multiple break points, Gauff maintained her composure to regain control and secure the win.
This efficient performance marks a departure from Gauff’s historical struggles in the tournament’s opening round. In five of her previous seven US Open appearances, she has required three sets to advance from the first round. Tuesday night’s match, however, saw her navigate the opening hurdle without dropping a set, continuing a strong run of form that includes a recent victory at the Cincinnati Open.
Gauff’s current trajectory places her in a unique position within the global rankings. Having won the 2023 US Open and the 2024 French Open, she is seeking a third Grand Slam title. More significantly, she is aiming for her first career World No. 1 ranking, a feat that depends on the performance of other top seeds in the tournament.
The path to the top spot is complex due to the rolling 52-week points system. Currently ranked No. 4 behind Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, and Jessica Pegula, Gauff’s ranking could be influenced by the results of her rivals. Notably, No. 2 seed Rybakina can overtake Sabalenka for the No. 1 position if she reaches the semifinals, regardless of who ultimately wins the tournament.
Gauff’s second-round opponent remains to be determined. She will face the winner of the match between Paula Badosa and Daria Kasatkina, which was suspended due to rain with Badosa leading 6-1, 1-2. The outcome of that fixture will dictate the next challenge for the American, who enters the second round with momentum and a clear objective in sight.
