Coco Gauff was given a stern test against Spain’s Paula Badosa before ultimately securing a 6-4 7-6 (7-5) victory.
The American fourth seed and 2023 US Open winner continues her path to the third round, where she will face Spaniard Cristina Bucsa.
On a sweltering evening that contrasted with the rain-hit opening days, Gauff took to Arthur Ashe Court with the backing of a partisan crowd and hopes of continuing her pursuit of a third Grand Slam title.
But it was no simple task against the world No 87, who, despite the gulf in the rankings, holds a positive record over the American, including victories in their last two meetings – a straight-sets win at last year’s Australian Open first round and more recently, during this summer’s grass-court swing in Berlin.
Badosa threatened early to seize the initiative, forcing Gauff to save two break points. But the American struck with the decisive break, aided by a costly forehand error from the Spaniard that appeared to rattle her both mentally and in her execution, as Gauff closed out the opener to take the lead.
The second set proved just as much of a spectacle, with both players swapping breaks twice apiece before a tie-break was needed, Badosa raising her level as she searched for a way back into the match.
The breaker followed the same script until Badosa sent a long ball, prompting a euphoric celebration from Gauff as she sealed her place in the next round.
“Paula is a tough player. I feel like I had the lead but there wasn’t too much I did wrong. She stepped it up. I’m really happy to be through today,” the 22-year-old said on court.
“I saw the draw. Definitely not someone you want to play in the 2nd round. Former number two in the world. Great competitor. I think I need matches like this to build my confidence. I’m happy with how I managed today. There was a bit of nerves.”
French Open champion Mirra Andreeva eased into the third round after sweeping past German Eva Lys with a 6-0 6-2 victory.
The 19-year-old will next face Czech Nikola Bartunkova.
World No 2 Elena Rybakina cruised past Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-2 6-4 in a little over an hour to set up a clash against Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva.
Rybakina had dispelled doubts over her fitness after retiring from the Cincinnati Open in the build-up to the tournament, saying: “It’s true it wasn’t perfect preparation at all. I was a bit upset watching everybody practice preparing for the tournament and I was just doing all possible recovery and gym. I’m super happy to be here.”
Tien too good as Monfils makes final Grand Slam bow
Young American Learner Tien brought the curtain down on Gael Monfils’ Grand Slam career on Thursday as the American youngster defeated the French veteran 6-3 6-4 6-3 in a clash of generations to reach the third round.
Monfils turned back the clock to beat Adolfo Daniel Vallejo in the first round on his 40th birthday and extend his stay in New York, but the wildcard’s run ended under lights against an opponent half his age.
On a muggy evening Monfils appeared drained towards the end of the first set and turned to the crowd for inspiration, but 14th seed Tien was unfazed and tightened his grip on the contest.
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Highlights of the US Open match between Gael Monfils and Learner Tien.
With the opening set in the bag, 20-year-old Tien continued to dictate proceedings in the next, absorbing Monfils’ bursts of aggression to clinch it and edge closer to the third round for a meeting with Czech Jakub Mensik.
Monfils made a final, emotion-fuelled charge in the third set with some trademark shot-making, but Tien stood his ground and sealed victory before warmly embracing the French showman who will retire at the end of the year.
The US Open is live on Sky Sports from August 30. Stream tennis with no contract on NOW and the Sky Sports App. You can also watch the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from 25-27 September live on Sky Sports.
