Coco Gauff faced a formidable opponent in Spain’s Paula Badosa, ultimately prevailing with a 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) win. The American, seeded fourth and fresh off her 2023 US Open triumph, advanced to the third round where she will meet fellow Spaniard Cristina Bucsa. The match unfolded on a hot evening that stood in stark contrast to the rain‑soaked opening days of the tournament. Playing on Arthur Ashe Court, Gauff enjoyed the support of a lively crowd eager to see her chase a third Grand Slam title.
Yet the contest was far from straightforward. Badosa, ranked 87th in the world, has historically held the upper hand against Gauff, having won their last two meetings – a straight‑sets victory in the first round of the Australian Open last year and a recent win on the grass courts of Berlin. From the outset, Badosa pressed forward, creating early pressure that forced Gauff to fend off two break points. The breakthrough came when Gauff secured a crucial break, aided by an unforced forehand error from Badosa that seemed to unsettle her both mentally and technically.
Gauff capitalised on this momentum to close out the first set and take the lead. The second set proved equally dramatic, with both competitors exchanging breaks twice. The deadlock led to a tie‑break, during which Badosa raised her intensity in an effort to claw back into the match.
The tie‑break followed a familiar pattern until Badosa sent a lengthy shot that Gauff returned decisively, prompting an exuberant celebration as she clinched the set and secured her place in the next round. After the match, the 22‑year‑old Gauff reflected on the contest: “Paula is a tough player.
I felt like I had the lead but there wasn’t much I did wrong. She stepped it up.
I’m really happy to be through today.” She added, “I saw the draw. Definitely not someone you want to play in the second round.
Former number two in the world. Great competitor. I think I need matches like this to build my confidence.
I’m happy with how I managed today. There was a bit of nerves.” In other sections of the tournament, French Open champion Mirra Andreeva breezed into the third round with a 6-0, 6-2 demolition of Germany’s Eva Lys. The 19‑year‑old will next face Czech Nikola Bartunkova.
World No. 2 Elena Rybakina also made quick work of her opponent, dispatching Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-2, 6-4 in just over an hour, setting up a clash with Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva.
Rybakina addressed lingering fitness concerns after withdrawing from the Cincinnati Open, noting, “It wasn’t perfect preparation at all. I was a bit upset watching everybody practice for the tournament and I was just doing all possible recovery and gym. I’m super happy to be here.” The day also marked the end of an era for French veteran Gaël Monfils. Young American Learner Tien delivered a generational showdown, defeating the 40‑year‑old Frenchman 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 to advance to the third round.
Monfils had celebrated his birthday with a first‑round win over Adolfo Daniel Vallejo, extending his New York stay, but his run concluded under the lights against a foe half his age. Monfils appeared fatigued toward the close of the opening set, turning to the crowd for a surge of energy, yet 14th seed Tien remained composed, tightening his grip on the match. After securing the first set, the 20‑year‑old continued to dictate play, absorbing Monfils’ bursts of aggression and sealing the second set to move closer to a meeting with Czech Jakub Mensik in the fourth round.
In the final set, Monfils launched an emotional, aggressive rally, showcasing his trademark shot‑making, but Tien held firm, ultimately sealing the victory. The young American embraced the French showman warmly after the match, acknowledging Monfils’ upcoming retirement at the end of the year. The US Open continues to be broadcast live on Sky Sports from August 30, with streaming options available on NOW without a contract and via the Sky Sports app.
Fans can also look forward to the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, also shown on Sky Sports. The tournament’s blend of rising talent, seasoned veterans, and dramatic storylines underscores why the US Open remains a pinnacle of tennis excitement.