Gauff's clutch serving lifts her to win over Sonmez in US Open first round

Coco Gauff defeated Zeynep Sonmez in the first round of the 2026 US Open on September 2, 2026. Gauff, who had spoken publicly about improvements to her serve and mentality ahead of the tournament, relied on clutch serving to escape a difficult moment midway through the second set. The victory advances Gauff to the next round of the US Open.