Coco Gauff faced a formidable opponent in Spain's Paula Badosa, but she ultimately prevailed with a 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) win. The American, seeded fourth and fresh off her 2023 US Open triumph, moved into the third round where she will meet fellow Spaniard Cristina Bucsa. The match took place on a hot evening that stood in stark contrast to the rain-soaked conditions of the tournament's opening days. Gauff stepped onto Arthur Ashe Court buoyed by a supportive crowd and the lingering ambition of adding a third Grand Slam title to her résumé.

Despite the disparity in rankings—Badosa was world No. 87—she entered the match with confidence, having won the last two meetings against Gauff.

Those victories included a straight‑sets win at the Australian Open first round the previous year and a recent triumph on the grass courts in Berlin. Early in the contest, Badosa pressed hard, creating early break‑point chances that forced Gauff to dig deep. The American saved two break points before delivering the decisive break of the first set, capitalising on a costly forehand error from Badosa that seemed to shake the Spaniard's composure.

Gauff closed out the opening set, taking a crucial lead. The second set unfolded as a dramatic seesaw battle. Both players exchanged breaks twice, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats.

Badosa raised her level, searching for a foothold to turn the tide, while Gauff remained composed, matching her opponent shot for shot. The set eventually required a tiebreak.

After a series of tightly contested points, Badosa sent a long ball that Gauff returned with authority, prompting an exuberant celebration as she sealed the match and secured her place in the next round. After the win, the 22‑year‑old reflected on the challenge: "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 world No.

2. 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." Elsewhere in the tournament, French Open champion Mirra Andreeva breezed into the third round after a dominant 6-0, 6-2 victory over Germany's Eva Lys. The 19‑year‑old will next face Czech Nikola Bartunkova. World No.

2 Elena Rybakina also advanced comfortably, 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, saying, "It wasn’t perfect preparation at all. I was a bit upset watching everyone practice, but I focused on recovery and gym work.

I’m super happy to be here." The headline of the day, however, belonged to Alexander Zverev, who survived a harrowing five‑set marathon that stretched into the early hours of the morning. The top seed had already endured a grueling opening‑round match against Lorenzo Sonego, and he found himself in a similar predicament against France's Quentin Halys.

Zverev dropped a set twice, yet his resilience shone through as he ultimately triumphed 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-7(3), 6-3. The contest lasted more than four and a half hours, concluding at 2:15 a.m. local time (7:15 a.m. UK time).

This victory booked him a third‑round meeting with Alejandro Tabilo and marked a historic moment: Zverev became the first top‑seeded man in the Open Era to begin a major with back‑to‑back five‑set matches. In his post‑match interview, Zverev was candid about his performance: "The performance was quite s***, to be honest. But I won, and that’s the most important thing. I’ve been here for another four and a half hours.

That's what I go to the gym for, what I train for—to be able to come out on top in these difficult moments. When you’re not playing your best, when you’re not hitting winners left and right, just getting through these matches. I hope at some point I’ll start playing better but, for now, I’m happy to be in the third round." The tournament also witnessed a generational shift as young American Tien Learner ended Gael Monfils' Grand Slam run. The 20‑year‑old secured a straight‑sets victory, 6-3, 6-4, 6-3, over the French veteran, who had celebrated his 40th birthday with a first‑round win over Adolfo Daniel Vallejo.

Monfils, known for his flamboyant shot‑making, fought valiantly, especially in the third set, but Tien held firm, showcasing poise beyond his years. The win propelled Tien into the third round, where he will face Czech Jakub Mensik.

These matches underscore the depth and unpredictability of this year's US Open. From seasoned champions defending their legacies to rising stars making bold statements, the tournament continues to deliver high‑stakes drama.

Fans can follow live coverage on Sky Sports starting August 30, or stream the action via NOW and the Sky Sports App without a contract. Additionally, tennis enthusiasts can catch the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, broadcast live on Sky Sports.