Key takeaways
- Coco Gauff defeated Paula Badosa 6-4, 7-6(5) in an intense second-round clash lasting nearly two hours at the US Open.
- Gauff credited an attacking mindset for the win, stating: “honestly, just trying to stay aggressive.”
- The American joked about winning a practice backhand battle against Frances Tiafoe, saying: “anyone who wants to smoke, just hit me up.”
Coco Gauff successfully navigated a stern second-round test at the US Open, securing a hard-fought 6-4, 7-6(5) victory over Spain’s Paula Badosa in an encounter that finished just shy of the two-hour mark.
Reflecting on the court immediately after the win, Gauff acknowledged that handling the tricky assignment required proactive play from the opening ball. Asked about the key to claiming the victory, she stated: “honestly, just trying to stay aggressive.”
Overcoming nerves against a difficult opponent
Despite holding an advantage during the match, Gauff had to withstand a spirited fightback from her Spanish opponent. “Paulo’s a tough player,” Gauff explained. “I feel like, you know, had the lead, but I don’t think there was a too much I did wrong. She really stepped it up and, um, yeah, I feel like I’m really happy to be through today.”
Gauff also highlighted the difficulty of drawing such a quality challenger early in the fortnight, noting: “is definitely not someone you want to pull second round number two in the world.” However, the American embraced the intensity of the matchup. “Great competitor, but I think that I need matches like this to build my confidence and I’m happy with how I managed today cuz uh there was a little bit of nerves,” she added.
Staying calm against high-risk hitting
Even after moving up a set and a break, Gauff found herself tested when Badosa elevated her pace and went after aggressive shots. The former champion noted that the sudden surge was fully expected based on their history on tour.
“Well, I knew she would raise her level,” Gauff said. “We played each other enough times for me to know that regardless of the score, she’s capable of blasting winners and blasting return winners.”
Gauff pointed to a specific exchange in the match that highlighted Badosa’s explosive counter-punching. “I mean, and on the first smash point, I serve 121 and the return came back really fast,” she recalled. Gauff explained that maintaining perspective helps her avoid irritation during tense moments: “So, um yeah, there’s just sometimes I’m just like have to clap it up for her. And I think when I leave with that mentality, it, you know, lets you be less frustrated.”
A playful challenge to the locker room
The on-court interview closed on a lighthearted note when the interviewer brought up Gauff’s world-class backhand and a recent crosscourt practice session with ATP player Frances Tiafoe.
When given the floor to explain how the sparring battle played out, Gauff smiled and set the record straight. “Uh, so the man was uh, Francis Tafo and uh, I mean I think you guys know how that went,” she laughed. “Um, I won.”
Gauff then threw down an open challenge to anyone else thinking of taking on her backhand. “I mean, there’s not many people who who has me in the back in the backand,” she declared. “I’m pretty sure I’ve beaten you in a few times. So, um, anyone who wants to smoke, just hit me up.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCvNwrBaDWA
WTA U.S. Open - Cori Gauff's projected path
Gauff at the U.S. Open, ranking, and results in 2026
Currently ranked no.4, Coco achieved a composed 43-13 win-loss record in 2026. The American is currently having a run at the U.S. Open where she managed to beat the world no.53 Zeynep Sonmez 6-3 6-4 and the world no.87 Paula Badosa 6-4 7-6(5).
Cori Gauff will come up against the world no.40 Cristina Bucsa in the 3rd round. The head to head is 1-0 for Gauff.
Coco has won 1 title in 2026 in Cincinnati.
Gauff won 13 titles in her career: 9 on hard courts, 2 on clay courts and 2 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)
Paula Badosa in 2026
Ranked no.87, the Spaniard played her last match on the 3rd of September when she capitulated to world no.4 Cori Gauff 6-4 7-6(5) in the 2nd round of the U.S. Open (draw).
At present, during this year the Spaniard has achieved an overall 23-19 record. Badosa has won 1 title in the Bastad.
Cori Gauff and Paula Badosa fought against each other 9 times. Their actual head to head record is 5-4 for Badosa.
