Coco Gauff and Gael Monfils Wow Crowd, Zverev Scrapes Through
US Open
September 4, 2026
Coco Gauff needed to hold her nerve to fend off a ferocious comeback from Paula Badosa in front of an amazed New York crowd.
The American looked to have tamed the Spaniard at 4-2 in the second set. But the vast Arthur Ashe Stadium was treated to some monumental battles from there until the final point.
Fierce returns and stunning serves from the underdog made it look for all the world as though she was ready to force a third set.
But somehow Gauff absorbed the power, defended desperately and then seized upon momentary Badosa weakness in the breaker to win through 6-4, 7-6 (7-5).
Was it the noisy, patriotic audience and their unforgiving reaction to her failing ball-toss that did for Badosa at the death?
Gauff, who takes on Cristina Bucsa next, admitted: ‘Paula is a tough player. Definitely not someone you want to play in the second round. But I’m happy with how I managed. There were nerves.’
And the same could be said of top men’s seed Alexander Zverev, who teetered on the brink for the second successive match.
Once more he needed five sets to edge it in more than four hours – this time against Quentin Halys. The German doesn’t seem to be enjoying the pressure.
‘It’s fine being favourite until you nearly get knocked out every time,’ joked Zverev, who won through 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7-3), 6-7 (3-7), 6-3. His superb physical condition and 29 aces helped get the job done eventually.
Coco Gauff and Sascha Zverev are still in with a shout of US Open glory – and will be major contenders when it comes to Wimbledon 2027.
But Flushing Meadows belonged to French superstar Gael Monfils after his final match in a Grand Slam.
Learner Tien showed no mercy as he beat the 40-year-old 6-3, 6-4, 6-3. But he soon made way for Gael in the post-match moments on Louis Armstrong.
‘Mon-fils, Mon-fils’ chanted 14,000 tennis-mad fans, only minutes after Gauff had secured victory over on Ashe.
When Gael took the microphone, he said: ‘I feel the love. I started paying here in 2003. It’s now 2026. That says it all.’
Grand Slams are full of moving moments. It isn’t always the winner who receives the most acclaim. But we adore the drama every time.
Coco Gauff and Sascha Zverev will provide irresistible drama at Wimbledon 2027, too – even though Monfils is retiring.
And we expect Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner to be back to their very best in London next summer.
That should mean an incredible occasion on the second Sunday for the men’s final of Wimbledon 2027.
You can view the Wimbledon Debenture Holders prices for their prestigious seats on Centre Court and No1 Court for each and every day of Wimbledon 2027 by clicking here.
Come and enjoy these superb tickets and their exclusive access to the best restaurants and bars at the All England Club.
Enjoy the most historic Grans Slam of them all in style. You’ll be visiting the historic home of tennis and entering a unique sporting world.
That fusion of history and glamour brings British royals and Hollywood superstars to Centre Court with understandable regularity.
Coco Gauff and Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon 2027. What more could anyone want?
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