US Open: Gauff, Zverev and Auger-Aliassime face stern tests against familiar foes

When Paula Badosa steps onto Arthur Ashe Stadium on Thursday, she will face a Coco Gauff eager to defend her title at Flushing Meadows. But head-to-head history favors the Spanish player: 5 wins in 8 meetings, including the last two. The former world No. 2, despite dropping to 87th after a series of injuries, remains a dangerous unknown for the defending champion.

This is the second round of the US Open, where top seeds begin to face real tests. Alexander Zverev, enjoying the best season of his career with a Roland Garros title and Wimbledon runner-up finish, will also face Quentin Halys – a Frenchman who pushed him hard in both previous meetings. Meanwhile, Felix Auger-Aliassime, the No. 3 seed, will take on Karen Khachanov, a former semifinalist here with a balanced head-to-head record.

Top Women's Match: Paula Badosa vs Coco Gauff

Gauff arrives at this US Open with high confidence after reaching her first Wimbledon semifinal. She has significantly improved her serve and consistency, two weaknesses in previous seasons. But Badosa, despite her ranking drop, still possesses powerful baseline play and excellent court reading. She beat Daria Kasatkina in straight sets in round one, showing her body is fully recovered.

Looking at the data, Gauff has a higher serve-winning percentage, but Badosa has better return stats. In their previous meetings, Badosa often exploited Gauff's movement weaknesses on the forehand side. However, Gauff has changed her approach, using more slices and drop shots to disrupt her opponent's rhythm. This could make a difference.

Based on my experience watching matches, I've noticed Gauff has learned to be more patient in long rallies. She no longer rushes to end points but waits for the right opportunity. This is crucial against a defensive player like Badosa. However, Badosa is also a master of changing pace, and she won't easily be drawn into her opponent's game.

Top Men's Match: Alexander Zverev vs Quentin Halys

Zverev just played a nearly five-hour battle against Lorenzo Sonego in round one. He admitted missing more backhands than usual. Despite winning, it was a warning about fitness and focus. Halys, making his first US Open second-round appearance, has troubled Zverev in both previous meetings. He has a good serve and often plays freely without pressure.

Zverev needs to improve his movement and avoid long rallies. If Halys can extend points, Zverev's fatigue will show. However, Zverev's class and experience in big tournaments are major advantages. I once said: "When the opponent has the ball, don't watch the ball – look at the space they leave." In tennis, this means when Halys serves, Zverev must read the opponent's positioning to anticipate the return direction, rather than just focusing on the ball.

One notable point is Zverev has had epic five-set matches, but also times when he lost focus and threw away leads. Halys, with his fearless style, could exploit this. However, if Zverev stays calm and serves well, he can finish in three sets.

Auger-Aliassime Faces Tricky Khachanov

Auger-Aliassime didn't have a smooth start, needing nearly three and a half hours to get past Rinky Hijikata in four sets. He admitted the match was tense. Now he faces Karen Khachanov, a former US Open semifinalist who has won 2 of their 4 meetings. Khachanov had a dominant first-round win, so he'll have a fitness edge.

Khachanov plays powerful baseline tennis, especially with his forehand. He can pressure Auger-Aliassime's backhand, which is a relative weakness. Auger-Aliassime needs to serve well and take opportunities to end points early. If the match drags on, Khachanov can exploit his opponent's fatigue.

I recall their Wimbledon match last year, where Khachanov won in four sets thanks to deep hitting and good movement. Auger-Aliassime has learned from that, and he might change tactics, using more drop shots and coming to the net. However, Khachanov isn't easy to beat with short balls; he has quick reflexes.

US Open Order of Play on Thursday

Arthur Ashe Stadium (15:30 GMT / 11:30 ET): - 13-Naomi Osaka (Japan) vs Katerina Siniakova (Czech Republic) - 9-Taylor Fritz vs Mattia Bellucci (Italy) - Paula Badosa (Spain) vs 4-Coco Gauff (USA) - 1-Alexander Zverev (Germany) vs Quentin Halys (France)

Louis Armstrong Stadium (15:00 GMT / 11:00 ET): - 3-Felix Auger-Aliassime (Canada) vs Karen Khachanov (Russia) - Oleksandra Oliynykova (Ukraine) vs 17-Alexandra Eala (Philippines) - Gael Monfils (France) vs 14-Learner Tien (USA) - Jessica Bouzas Maneiro (Spain) vs 2-Elena Rybakina (Kazakhstan)

Beyond the three featured matches, fans will also watch Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, face Katerina Siniakova – a doubles specialist who is also strong in singles. Taylor Fritz, the American No. 9 seed, has a good chance to advance against Mattia Bellucci, a young Italian with little experience on big courts.

Meanwhile, Elena Rybakina, the No. 2 seed, begins her campaign against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. Rybakina is one of the top title contenders, with a powerful serve and an aggressive playing style. She is expected to advance easily.

Contrarian Angle

Many will think Gauff will easily beat Badosa because of her low ranking. But head-to-head shows Badosa knows how to counter Gauff. Similarly, Zverev could face more difficulty than expected if Halys plays to his potential. Meanwhile, Auger-Aliassime might sweat more against Khachanov, who has big-stage experience.

However, tennis always has variables. Badosa may not be at 100% after injuries. Zverev could learn from his long match and play more focused. Auger-Aliassime could use the home-court advantage (though Canadian, American fans often support him). The key is that top seeds cannot be complacent, because in Grand Slams, every opponent is dangerous.

Open Conclusion

Can Gauff overcome the "monster" named Badosa? Can Zverev withstand the pressure from Halys? And how will Auger-Aliassime react to a tricky Khachanov? The answers will be revealed on Thursday. Let's wait and see.