Coco Gauff secured a third-round berth at the U.S. Open on Thursday night, overcoming a determined Paula Badosa in a challenging 6-4, 7-6 (5) victory inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.

This win marks Gauff's eighth consecutive victory and extends her streak of consecutive sets won to 16. It is the fifth consecutive year the American has reached the third round in Flushing Meadows. Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion, acknowledged the difficulty of the match, especially against an opponent she had lost to in two of their previous three meetings.

"I think it’s good to be battle tested," Gauff stated after the match. "When I won here in 2023, I think I went three sets what felt like every match. … I think, for me, it’s a good confidence booster knowing that I can get through these matches."

Gauff served for the match twice before ultimately prevailing in the second-set tiebreak. She admitted that facing Badosa, a former world No. 2, so early in the tournament was not ideal.

Badosa, ranked world No. 4, had played for a third consecutive day after her first-round match was delayed due to rain earlier in the week. Despite the compressed schedule, she pushed Gauff throughout their encounter.

Gauff experienced early nerves, struggling to hold serve in the initial games of the first set. However, by the sixth game, she found her rhythm. Both players exchanged breaks in the second set, leading to a competitive tiebreak where Gauff eventually secured the win.

Gauff's serve, a frequently discussed aspect of her game, reached 121 mph during the match. When asked about the possibility of reaching 130 mph, she expressed uncertainty, suggesting it might happen under relaxed match conditions.

Gauff is among four women competing in the U.S. Open who have the potential to reach the world No. 1 ranking by the tournament's end. She commented on her perspective regarding the No. 1 ranking compared to winning Grand Slam titles, contrasting it with fellow American Jessica Pegula's aspirations.

"I've never thought about being number one," Gauff said. "I think just growing up watching Serena [Williams] play. … It was very clear she was focused on the Slam. So I think growing up watching her play, I just always had that mentality. Yes, it would be cool to be number one, but it’s not something that I’ve thought about, to be honest."

Gauff is scheduled to face Spain's Cristina Bucsa in the third round on Saturday.