US Open Opener Victory
Coco Gauff opens her 2026 US Open campaign with a straight-sets victory over Zeynep Sonmez.
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Key Points
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In her US Open opener, Gauff had break points in only one game in the first set and converted it to take it 6-3; she led 2-0 in the second before Sonmez battled back to 4-2. Gauff then saved three break points in a pivotal 6th game to reach 3-3, broke in the 7th, and served out for a 6-3, 6-4 win.
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Gauff afterwards said, "I'm happy to get out of that second set," noting the confidence she carried into the match and the level Sonmez required to push her, which helped shape the straight-sets win.
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Cobolli, the No. 5 seed, staged his first career two-set comeback to defeat Francisco Comesana 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 in 4 hours, 12 minutes, including a notable outfit change after the second set as he refocused mid-match; he also quipped, "In Grand Slams it’s never done. You have to fight until the last point."
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Maria Sakkari overcame a rain-delayed start to defeat Robin Montgomery 2-6, 7-5, 6-2, and brought in a notable backstory as a 2021 US Open and Wimbledon semifinalist, underscoring the blend of veteran experience and current resilience.
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Weather disruptions shaped the early rounds, with rain delaying outer-court play and forcing action to be concentrated on courts with roofs (Ashe/Armstrong), while rain returned Tuesday night and pushed some matches back another day.
Coco Gauff opened her 2026 US Open title defense with a straight-sets victory over Zeynep Sonmez, winning 6-3, 6-4 in a match that showcased her refined serve after a major biomechanics overhaul. Clutch Points reported that Gauff fended off a late second-set surge to advance smoothly to round two, continuing the momentum from her recent Cincinnati championship.
The tournament is already shaping up as a test of depth and adaptation, with rain delays hampering outer-court play and several top contenders facing unexpected challenges. English News China reported on Gauff's dominant opening, while injury concerns — including Jannik Sinner's knee issue — and comebacks from veterans like Maria Sakkari are defining the early rounds at Flushing Meadows.
Gauff Steadies After Sonmez Pushes Back
Gauff controlled the opening set, breaking Sonmez once to claim it 6-3. The No. 4 seed raced to 2-0 in the second but faced a resurgent opponent. Tennis World USA noted that Sonmez clawed back to 4-2, forcing Gauff to save three break points in the pivotal sixth game to reach 3-3. Gauff then broke in the seventh game and served out the match.
After the match, Gauff reflected on the challenge. "I'm happy to get out of that second set," she said, acknowledging that Sonmez's aggressive play tested her resolve. The straight-sets win marked Gauff's second-shortest opening-round match of her US Open career, underscoring the effectiveness of her serve improvements.
Cobolli Stages Rare Two-Set Comeback Victory
No. 5 seed Jannik Cobolli delivered a stunning performance against Francisco Comesana, winning 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 in 4 hours and 12 minutes. Tennis World USA reported that Cobolli mounted his first career two-set comeback in a Grand Slam, a feat rarely accomplished at tennis's highest level. He notably changed outfits after the second set, signaling a mental reset.
Cobolli's resilience paid off in the closing sets. "In Grand Slams it's never done. You have to fight until the last point," he said afterward. The epic comeback demonstrated the unpredictability and depth shaping this year's tournament, with several contenders proving their ability to overcome adversity.
Sakkari Overcomes Rain Delays and Montgomery
Maria Sakkari navigated both weather disruptions and a resilient opponent to advance past Robin Montgomery 2-6, 7-5, 6-2. Clutch Points reported that Sakkari's comeback from a rain-delayed start showcased the veteran's poise under pressure. The 2021 US Open and Wimbledon semifinalist brought championship experience to her opening-round clash.
Sakkari's path back into contention marks a broader narrative of seasoned players reasserting themselves at Flushing Meadows. Her straight-sets second-set dominance and third-set control signaled that experience remains a valuable asset even as younger players challenge for titles.
Rain Delays Test Scheduling as Tournament Begins
Weather has already disrupted the 2026 US Open's opening rounds, forcing matches from outer courts to roofed venues like Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong stadiums. Arkansas Online reported that rain delays compressed the early schedule, pushing matches from Monday into Tuesday and Wednesday. The concentration of play on covered courts has left some outer-court matches waiting for their turn.
Tuesday night brought another round of rain, further straining the tournament's scheduling. The weather challenges come alongside injury concerns — Jannik Sinner's absence due to a knee issue removes a top contender — creating a complex narrative of adaptation and opportunity for rising contenders.
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