Coco Gauff opens US Open 2026 with swift victory, positive signal from second serve

New York – Defending champion Coco Gauff opened her US Open campaign with an impressive 6-3, 6-2 victory over Zeynep Sonmez in just 1 hour and 20 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The match showcased Gauff's confidence and high form from the very first games. The most notable statistic was her second-serve performance: Gauff won 64% of second-serve points, the third-highest figure of her US Open career. This is a significant signal because just one year ago, she faced a serve crisis right before the tournament, forcing an emergency coaching change. Since then, she has rebuilt her serve mechanics and appears to have found stability. The short match duration is also a positive. Gauff had to play three sets in 5 of her previous 7 US Open first-round matches, but this time she finished quickly, conserving energy for deeper rounds. Defending 2,000 champion points, minimizing court time is a smart strategy. Despite the easy win, Gauff showed sportsmanship by applauding her opponent's good shots. She said afterward: 'I don't want to lower my opponent. I want to challenge them to raise their level.' This behavior reflects maturity in her competitive mindset. Next round, Gauff will face the winner between Paula Badosa and Daria Kasatkina. Both are top-20 quality players, but Gauff's current form – Cincinnati title, two semifinals at Wimbledon and Toronto – suggests she is capable of handling the challenge. From a professional perspective, the 64% second-serve points won is an elite figure, compared to the tour average of 48-52%. If Gauff sustains this, she transforms from a 'great athlete with inconsistent serve' into a complete package. This is a key factor in the title race at Flushing Meadows. However, it's worth noting that Gauff is defending 2,000 champion points. Even a semifinal would result in a net ranking loss. The psychological pressure of defending a title is real, but with her rising form, Gauff shows she is ready to face the challenge. The world No. 1 race is also a compelling subplot. Gauff can reach No. 1 if she wins the title and Rybakina loses early. Although conditional, it adds extra motivation. With an impressive opening victory, Gauff has sent a strong message to her rivals: she is ready for another conquest in New York.