Coco Gauff Opens US Open 2026 With Win Over Zeynep Sonmez

Coco Gauff launched her US Open 2026 campaign with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Turkey’s Zeynep Sonmez, advancing to the second round with a composed straight-set performance in New York.

The fourth seed, who won the tournament in 2023, was broken only once by the world No. 53 in a hard-hitting contest played largely from the baseline. Her serve, an area of focus following difficulties at last year’s tournament, was central to a confident opening-round result.

“It’s incredible to be back on this court,” Gauff told the on-court interviewer. “I love playing in this atmosphere.”

Gauff’s serve sets the tone in opening set

Gauff moved efficiently through the first set, winning it 6-3 without facing a break point. Sonmez frequently struggled to return the American’s serve or was limited to a weaker reply, allowing Gauff to take control of points early.

The display offered an encouraging start after Gauff entered Flushing Meadows feeling more secure about her service motion. She arrived at the US Open having won the WTA 1000 event in Cincinnati during August, and with renewed belief in a stroke that had caused concern a year earlier.

Last season, service issues contributed to a coaching change just days before the tournament and preceded a fourth-round exit. This time, Gauff said her work has centred on making her toss more consistent under biomechanics expert Gavin Macmillan.

“It’s been a gradual change with the serve,” Gauff said. “Slowly it’s adapting to maybe the way it should look.”

That gradual development was evident in the opening set, where Gauff did not allow Sonmez a break opportunity and built a straightforward advantage in the match.

Sonmez responds before Gauff steadies

Gauff made the early breakthrough in the second set, but Sonmez responded with a stronger stretch of tennis. The Turkish player struck heavy groundstrokes and mixed in forays to the net, finishing points with deft volleys as she broke back for 2-2 and briefly moved ahead.

The pivotal stage arrived with Gauff trailing 2-3. She faced multiple break points in a lengthy service game, but held for 3-3 after producing another big serve. The hold prevented Sonmez from establishing a more significant second-set advantage and gave Gauff the platform to regain control.

Gauff described that game as “real important.” She later said she trusted that a successful hold would put her in position to attack in the following game.

“I knew if I could hold that game, I felt confident breaking the next game,” Gauff told reporters. Her ability to settle after Sonmez’s response ultimately helped her close out the set 6-4 and complete the two-set win.

A confident start to Gauff’s New York return

The victory sends Gauff into the second round and gives the former champion an assured opening result at the year’s final Grand Slam. The match also supplied a practical early test of the serve she has been rebuilding, particularly when Sonmez applied pressure in the second set.

Gauff said her confidence comes from knowing opponents may have to sustain a high level to break her. “I like to challenge my opponent to let them keep up the level the whole match, and if they do, you know I clap my hands and I walk off court with my head held high,” she said. “But I was able to settle down.”

For Gauff, the 6-3, 6-4 result marked a positive beginning at a tournament she has previously won and where her progress will again be closely watched.