Gauff carries heavy market backing into US Open opener

Zeynep Sonmez faces fourth seed Coco Gauff in the first round of the US Open. This best-of-three-sets hard-court contest presents a steep initial challenge for the world number 52. Gauff enters as an overwhelming favourite, with recent form and surface statistics pointing to a straightforward passage for the American.

Gauff's hard-court dominance sets the tone

Gauff holds a 25-7 record on hard courts this season, claiming one WTA title. She has won 70% of her service games and 46% of return games, showcasing a highly balanced attack. Sonmez sits at 13-11 on the surface. Her numbers are solid but less commanding.

Momentum heavily favours the world number four

Over her last ten matches, Gauff has won nine. She captured the first set in 80% of those contests. Sonmez holds an even 5-5 record in that same span. While the Turkish player has shown resilience by winning 75% of deciding sets, Gauff's ability to close out matches early limits those scenarios.

Bookmakers price a straightforward opening round

The betting market reflects the stark ranking gap. Bookmakers price Gauff at 1.04 for the match win and 1.1 to take the first set. Sonmez is available at 13, highlighting the immense challenge she faces against a top-five opponent.

Serve and return gap defines the matchup

Gauff’s superior first-strike tennis will be the defining factor here. She averages nearly four aces per match recently, compared to Sonmez's 1.6. Coupled with a lighter recent workload of under four hours across her last three matches, Gauff arrives fresh. She is fully equipped to dictate play from the baseline.

Sonmez Z.

Gauff C.

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