Home favourite Gauff storms past Sonmez at US Open

Coco Gauff began her bid for a second U.S. Open title with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Turkey’s Zeynep Sonmez in New York.

The 22-year-old American arrived after winning the Cincinnati Open and is seeking a third Grand Slam title, following her breakthrough triumph at the U.S. Open in 2023. She said she felt unexpectedly relaxed returning to Arthur Ashe Stadium.

"I wasn’t that nervous today, which was a shock," Gauff said on court. "When I walked back out on this court, I was trying to hold back a smile."

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I wasn’t that nervous today, which was a shock. When I walked back out on this court, I was trying to hold back a smile.

Gauff took the only break of serve in the opening set and finished it in just over 30 minutes under the stadium’s lights and closed roof. Sonmez produced several strong winners, including a powerful backhand that drew applause from the crowd and from Gauff herself.

The Turkish player immediately broke back after Gauff opened the second set with a break. Sonmez then tested Gauff with deep groundstrokes and attacks at the net. Gauff faced three break points while trailing 3-2 but held serve, leveled the set and broke Sonmez at 4-3. She pulled away from there to complete the win.

"I know that I can raise my level if I need to," Gauff said. "I like to challenge my opponent to keep up that level the whole match, and if they do, I clap my hands and walk off the court with my head held high. But I was able to settle down." Gauff has reached at least the fourth round in each of her last four U.S. Open appearances.

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I know that I can raise my level if I need to. I like to challenge my opponent to keep up that level the whole match, and if they do, I clap my hands and walk off the court with my head held high. But I was able to settle down.