Coco Gauff Advances in US Open Test

World No. 4 Coco Gauff overcame Paula Badosa 6-4, 7-6(5) on Thursday to keep her bid for a second US Open title on track.

Playing on a hot evening at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Gauff had strong support from the home crowd as she continued her pursuit of a third Grand Slam trophy.

The American faced a difficult opponent in Badosa, who entered the match ranked 87th in the world but had enjoyed success in their previous meetings. The Spaniard had won their last two encounters, including a straight-sets victory in the first round of last year’s Australian Open and another win during the grass-court season in Berlin this summer.

Both players attacked from the baseline from the start, producing an evenly matched contest.

Badosa created the first real opportunity by forcing Gauff to save two break points. However, Gauff responded with the crucial break, helped by an expensive forehand mistake from the Spaniard. The error appeared to affect Badosa’s confidence and execution as Gauff secured the opening set.

The second set produced even more drama. Gauff and Badosa exchanged breaks twice each, with neither player able to establish control. Their battle eventually went to a tiebreak.

The tiebreak remained closely contested until Badosa sent a shot long. Gauff immediately celebrated with the crowd after securing her place in the next round.

“Paula is a tough player. I feel like ‌I had the lead but there wasn’t too much I did wrong. ​She stepped it up. I’m really happy to be through today,” the 22-year-old said on court.

“I saw ⁠the draw. Definitely not someone you want to play in the 2nd ⁠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.”

The victory keeps Coco Gauff’s US Open campaign alive as she looks to add another Flushing Meadows title to the trophy she won in 2023.

The American will now face another Spaniard, Cristina Bucsa, in the third round.

Can Gauff build on this hard-fought win and go all the way to another US Open title?