US OPEN – New York | By Leo Canaparo. Photo courtesy USTA
Coco Gauff began her 2026 US Open campaign in convincing fashion on Tuesday night, defeating Turkey’s Zeynep Sonmez 6-3, 6-4 to advance to the second round at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The American fourth seed showed composure and confidence throughout the match, particularly when Sonmez raised her level in the second set. Gauff managed the difficult moments well and regained control when it mattered most, confirming why she remains one of the leading contenders at her home Grand Slam.
For Gauff, the US Open is much more than just another tournament. It is the place where one of the most important chapters of her career was written.
In 2023, at just 19 years old, Gauff captured her first Grand Slam title in New York, defeating Aryna Sabalenka in a memorable final. The victory transformed her from one of the brightest young talents in the game into a genuine champion and established her as one of the biggest stars in American tennis.
The relationship between Gauff and the New York crowd has always been special. Playing in front of packed stands and under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, she has learned to embrace both the pressure and the expectations that come with being one of the country’s leading players.
Her journey at the US Open has also included difficult moments. Last year, she arrived in New York dealing with problems in her serve and was eliminated by Naomi Osaka in the fourth round. But Gauff returned in 2026 with renewed confidence and positive momentum, including strong performances during the North American hard-court season.
Tuesday’s victory was therefore an important first step. There is still a long road ahead, but Gauff once again demonstrated her ability to remain calm, compete with intensity and raise her level when challenged.
New York has already seen Coco Gauff lift the US Open trophy once. Now, the 2023 champion has started another campaign with the hope of making more history on the biggest stage in American tennis.