In-form Coco Gauff serves notice with assured start to US Open title pursuit

Coco Gauff began her 2026 US Open campaign with a 6-3, 6-4 first-round victory over Turkey's Zeynep Sonmez (ranked 54th) on a rain-affected Tuesday night under the closed roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium. Gauff, the defending champion seeking her second US Open title in four years, took control of the match by breaking Sonmez's serve in the sixth game of the opening set and did not look back. The win marks a confident start for the in-form American as she pursues another grand slam title at Flushing Meadows.