Coco Gauff defeated Zeynep Sonmez in straight sets to begin her campaign for a second US Open title.

Coco Gauff, the fourth-seeded American, opened her US Open campaign on Tuesday with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Turkey’s Zeynep Sonmez. Playing under the closed roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium, the 22-year-old secured the win in one hour and 20 minutes. The victory moves Gauff into the second round of the tournament, where she will face either Daria Kasatkina or Paula Badosa.

Match Performance and Serve Stability

Gauff’s performance was marked by improved service consistency, a focal point of her recent technical training. During the match, she landed 62% of her first serves, struck five aces, and won 71% of her first-serve points. Despite a challenging second set where she faced a 16-point service game at 2-3, Gauff saved three break points and maintained control, losing her serve only once throughout the match. Following the match, Gauff noted that her serve has undergone a gradual transformation, involving a more consistent ball toss and adjustments to her wrist position. This stability allowed her to play more aggressive, first-strike tennis compared to her performance at the tournament last year.

Tournament Stakes and Rankings

Beyond the immediate match, Gauff is competing for both the US Open title and the world No. 1 ranking. She is one of four players, alongside Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, and Jessica Pegula, who could exit the tournament as the top-ranked player. To achieve the No. 1 ranking, Gauff must win the tournament while Rybakina must be eliminated before the semi-finals. Gauff expressed a shift in her mental approach to the tournament, aiming to enjoy the experience rather than being solely consumed by the result. She reported feeling calm during her opening match, attributing this to her recent confidence and preparation.