Coco Gauff overcame a stern challenge from Paula Badosa on Thursday to book her place in the third round of the US Open, defeating the Spaniard in straight sets in a tightly contested second-round encounter.
The 22-year-old American prevailed 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) in just under two hours at Arthur Ashe Stadium, setting up a third-round meeting with another Spaniard, Cristina Bucsa.
Gauff entered the match with an unfavourable record against Badosa, having lost five of their previous eight encounters. But the American produced a composed performance to avoid another setback and continue her bid to reclaim the US Open title she won in 2023.
The victory also marked a significant test of Gauff’s confidence after a difficult period in the tournament last year.
“Obviously, you know, I would prefer maybe not to play somebody I’ve lost to so many times second round. But I think today was a big confidence booster.
“And I think getting through in straight sets too makes a big difference. Yes, I was battle-tested, but I think it was a good battle where I wasn’t out on the court for three hours,” Gauff said.
Gauff takes control in opening set
After both players settled into the contest, Gauff found the breakthrough in the seventh game of the opening set.
Badosa, the 28-year-old Spaniard who was born in Manhattan, attempted a risky drop shot but sent the ball into the net, handing Gauff the crucial break.
The American consolidated the advantage by holding serve to love to move 5-3 ahead before closing out the set with another assured service game.
Gauff carried that momentum into the second set and broke Badosa in the third game after another unsuccessful attempt at a delicate drop volley from the Spaniard.
But Badosa refused to surrender.
She immediately fought back to level the set at 4-4 and then saved two break points before holding to take a 5-4 lead.
Gauff responded by holding serve to make it 5-5, after which the two players exchanged further breaks to force a tie-break.
The American eventually secured victory on her second match point when Badosa sent a backhand beyond the baseline.
American finds confidence under pressure
Gauff said she has developed greater composure in pressure situations, particularly when serving, compared with the uncertainty that affected her game at this stage of last year's tournament.
“I definitely feel more comfortable, especially on the serving end of things,” she said.
The American acknowledged that Badosa had managed to break her serve twice, including once when she was serving for the match, but said she was encouraged by her response.
“I mean, she broke me two times, one time serving for it. I wasn’t too upset. I was, like, I don’t think I could have served that much better.
“So I think that’s the part of my game where I feel less pressure and I know I can get a big serve in when I need to. It’s just about if my opponent responds, and she did.”
The victory keeps Gauff’s title defence alive and sends her into the third round with renewed confidence. Her next opponent, Bucsa, will present another challenge as the American continues her pursuit of a second US Open crown.