Gauff and Tien advance as Monfils' Grand Slam career ends

Coco Gauff defeated Paula Badosa 6-4, 7-6(5) in the US Open second round on Friday. The American fourth seed, the 2023 champion, will face Spain's Cristina Bucsa next.

Gauff faced a stern challenge from the world No. 87, who held a winning record in their previous matches. Badosa forced the American to save two break points early, but a costly forehand error helped Gauff secure the decisive break to take the first set. The second set saw both players exchange breaks twice before Gauff clinched the tie-break.

"Paula is a tough player," Gauff 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." The 22-year-old added she was happy with how she managed the match, which included some nerves.

Andreeva and Rybakina cruise

French Open champion Mirra Andreeva advanced with a straightforward 6-0, 6-2 win over Germany's Eva Lys. The 19-year-old will play Czech player Nikola Bartunkova in the third round.

World No. 2 Elena Rybakina also progressed, beating Spain's Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-2, 6-4 in just over an hour. She will next face Ukraine's Yuliia Starodubtseva. Rybakina had entered the tournament with fitness concerns after retiring from the Cincinnati Open.

"It's true it wasn't perfect preparation at all," Rybakina said. "I was a bit upset watching everybody practice... I'm super happy to be here."

Tien ends Monfils' Grand Slam run

American Learner Tien ended Gael Monfils' Grand Slam career on Thursday, winning 6-3, 6-4, 6-3. The 20-year-old Tien, seeded 14th, reached the third round where he will face Czech player Jakub Mensik.

Monfils, a wildcard playing on his 40th birthday, had won his first-round match to extend his stay. The French veteran appeared drained as the first set progressed and could not overcome Tien's control of the match. Monfils mounted an emotional charge in the third set with trademark shot-making, but Tien held firm to secure the victory. Monfils will retire at the end of the season.

The US Open is being broadcast live on Sky Sports, according to the source report.