Coco Gauff cruises to second round of US Open, plus Naomi Osaka’s first-round ’fit

The GIST: Rain or shine, the second round of the US Open begins today, drawing thousands to Disneyland the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center for thrilling matches, including last night’s primetime battles. Here’s the latest from Queens:

💪 World No. 4 Coco Gauff serves in opening match: An enormous contrast compared to last year’s serve struggles, Gauff notched five aces (and looked mighty comfortable) in last night’s straight set win over qualifier Zeynep Sönmez. Onto the next one — her second round match is tomorrow.

• And in the late night action, 21-year-old breakout star No. 18 Alex Eala shined bright once more, defeating American Mary Stoiana in straight sets. Making the Philippines proud.

📺 Prepare your second screen for excellent matches all day long. On the men’s side, No. 9 Ben Shelton, No. 12 Frances Tiafoe, and No. 21 Tommy Paul (aka Mr. Paige Lorenze) will compete in the daytime sesh, continuing their quests to become the first American man to win the US Open since 2003. As for primetime, Spanish star No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz is back in action tonight.

• Over on the women’s side, No. 3 Jess Pegula takes the court during working hours, with No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka competing in the night sesh.

☝️ One more thing: A moment for No. 13 Naomi Osaka’s first-round walkout ’fit. Osaka made Arthur Ashe her runway (again) on Monday, entering the court in a custom Who Decides War hooded robe, arm sleeve, and cornrows — a tribute to Philadelphia 76ers legend Allen Iverson.

• Why Iverson? Osaka is a Nike athlete and Nike paid homage to their own basketball roots with this year’s Tennis Slam collection, already seen on other mesh-covered athletes in Queens like Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz.

• Osaka’s playing kit followed that same basketball theme, she just took it one step further by incorporating the approach into her walkout. Can’t wait to see what she rocks today.