US Open 2026: Coco Gauff, Alexandra Eala Advance to Women's Singles Second Round

Coco Gauff and rising Filipina star Alexandra Eala made impressive starts to their 2026 US Open campaigns, advancing to the women's singles second round with straight-set victories in New York.

Fourth seed and 2023 US Open champion Gauff defeated Turkey's Zeynep Sonmez 6-3, 6-4 under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The 22-year-old American, who arrived in New York after winning the Cincinnati Open, displayed composure in a challenging encounter against the world No. 53.

Gauff faced a crucial moment in the second set, saving three break points during a lengthy nine-minute service game to hold for 3-3. She then raised her level, broke Sonmez in the following game and maintained control to complete the victory in one hour and 20 minutes.

After the match, Gauff said she remained confident despite being tested, explaining that she knew her opponent would need to produce a high level of tennis to defeat her. The win marked another strong start at her home Grand Slam, where she has consistently progressed deep into the tournament in recent years. Gauff will next face either Daria Kasatkina or Paula Badosa.

Meanwhile, No. 17 seed Alexandra Eala delighted a strong contingent of Filipino supporters with a commanding 6-1, 6-2 victory over American qualifier Mary Stoiana at Louis Armstrong Stadium. The 21-year-old took the opening set convincingly and closed the match by winning the final five games.

The victory sends Eala into the second round, where she will face Ukraine's Oleksandra Oliynykova. The contest will offer Eala an opportunity for revenge after Oliynykova defeated her in three sets at the Strasbourg Open in May 2026.

Eala's dominant opening performance continues her rapid rise in women's tennis, while Gauff's composed victory has strengthened expectations around her bid for a second US Open title.