NEW YORK – The US Open entered its second round on Thursday with three of the tournament’s marquee players facing opponents who have already proven they can challenge the world’s best. For fans of American tennis, the matchups offer a clear view of who might lift the trophy at Flushing Meadows.
Coco Gauff vs. Paula Badosa
Four‑seeded American Coco Gauff steps onto Court 2 to meet Spain’s Paula Badosa, a former world No. 2 who has won five of their eight previous meetings, including the last two. Badosa, currently ranked 87th after a season marred by injuries, returned to the main draw with a straight‑sets win over Daria Kasatkina. She says her body feels healthy again and hopes to prove she still belongs among the elite.
Gauff, the 2023 champion, will rely on the improved serve and consistency that carried her to the Wimbledon semi‑finals in July. The young American hopes to turn those upgrades into an edge over a familiar foe and secure a second US Open crown.
Alexander Zverev vs. Quentin Halys
Germany’s Alexander Zverev, the top seed, faces Frenchman Quentin Halys after a grueling five‑hour battle with Lorenzo Sonego that exposed a few technical lapses, according to Zverev himself. The German, fresh off a French Open title and a Wimbledon final appearance, knows he must tighten up his backhand and stamina if he is to dominate the rest of the tournament.
Halys, making his US Open second‑round debut, has already tested Zverev in previous encounters, though the German emerged victorious each time. The Frenchman will look to capitalize on any lingering fatigue and pull off an upset.
Felix Auger‑Aliassime vs. Karen Khachanov
World No. 4 Felix Auger‑Aliassime of Canada endured a nearly three‑and‑a‑half‑hour duel with Australia’s Rinky Hijikata, ultimately prevailing in four sets. The Canadian described the match as “tense” and said it forced him to think hard about each point.
Next up is former US Open semi‑finalist Karen Khachanov of Russia, who has won two of their last four meetings. Khachanov entered the tournament with a dominant first‑round performance and believes he can upset one of the top seeds.
Order of Play
All matches begin at 11:30 a.m. ET (15:30 GMT) on the Arthur Ashe Stadium courts, with additional action at Louis Armstrong Stadium starting at 11:00 a.m. ET (15:00 GMT). Highlights include Naomi Osaka (13) vs. Katerina Siniakova, Taylor Fritz (9) vs. Mattia Bellucci, and a mixed‑nationality showcase featuring Gael Monfils, Elena Rybakina and others.
The second round promises drama, as each top seed must navigate familiar opponents who know how to exploit any weakness. For American fans, Gauff’s quest for a repeat victory stands out as a potential rallying point for national pride and the next generation of tennis talent.
Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru; editing by Toby Davis.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
