Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Coco Gauff Beats Zeynep Sonmez in US Open Opener

9/2/2026

29 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Coco Gauff defeated Zeynep Sonmez 6-3, 6-4 in the US Open first round.
The 80-minute match tied her second-shortest opening-round win at Flushing Meadows.
Gauff hit five aces and won 71% of first-serve points (29/41).
She won 64% of second-serve points (16/25).
A US Open title would move her into contention for the No. 1 ranking.

History

Historical Context

Serena Williams’ 1999 US Open win at age 17 made her the second African-American woman to capture a Grand Slam singles title and the lowest-seed champion in the Open Era, earning $915,000, while her sister Venus also secured doubles. The tournament now sees another teenage American, Coco Gauff, open 2024 with a straight-sets victory, continuing the U.S. tradition of youthful prodigies reshaping women’s tennis.

1 of 2

Story summary

Coco Gauff defeated Zeynep Sonmez 6-3, 6-4 in the US Open first round.
The 80-minute match tied her second-shortest opening-round win at Flushing Meadows.
Gauff hit five aces and won 71% of first-serve points (29/41).
She won 64% of second-serve points (16/25).
A US Open title would move her into contention for the No. 1 ranking.

1 / 2