In the opening round of the US Open, Coco Gauff used a renewed service game to defeat Turkey’s Zeynep Sonmez 6‑3 6‑4 at Flushing Meadows on Tuesday. The 22‑year‑old, seeded fourth, began the match with a swift hold to love, setting a dominant tone for the first set. She then used a powerful opening shot to keep Sonmez from breaking in the second set, ultimately securing a 4‑3 lead before closing out the match with another service game.
How the Story Unfolded
Gauff’s struggle with serving yips last year was highlighted by images of her practicing in the rain, a sign of her desperation to fix the flaw. Twelve months later, the American returned to the US Open with a service game that became the bedrock of her victory. She described the change as a “big difference” and said it “feels good to come into a tournament feeling confident on that shot finally.”
Coaching Change Pays Off
On the eve of last year’s home Slam, Gauff reshuffled her coaching team and hired biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan, who had helped Aryna Sabalenka overcome serving troubles. Gauff said the move was “unavoidable” after a high number of double faults at the Cincinnati Open. MacMillan’s adjustments focused on a more reliable toss, keeping the ball closer to the body and a straighter wrist, resulting in a serve that is now a serious weapon.
Impact on the Match
Gauff’s first‑serve accuracy improved dramatically, hitting closer to the line while maintaining speed. She opened the match with a 112 mph ace, followed by an unreturned first serve and another ace, holding serve in less than 90 seconds. Sonmez struggled to return Gauff’s first serves, winning only 93 % of those points. Gauff’s precise serve allowed her to break early in the second set and maintain a 4‑2 lead, despite a brief dip in effectiveness when Sonmez levelled at 2‑2.
Looking Ahead
Gauff will face either Spain’s Paula Badosa or Australia’s Daria Kasatkina in the second round. She said, “Last year I literally was like I hope I make it in. It’s such a big difference knowing almost every serve I’m trying to basically hit 110, 115, 120 mph if I can.”
