Coco Gauff prepares for US Open opening round against Zeynep Sönmez

Tennis player Coco Gauff enters the 2026 US Open with a focus on her mental health and support system following her fourth-round exit in last year’s tournament. Gauff has implemented changes to her serve and credits her improved focus to support from her family, coaches Jean-Christophe Faurel and Gavin MacMillan, a therapist, and her personal journal. Ahead of her first-round match against Zeynep Sönmez on Tuesday, September 1, Gauff noted she frequently leans on her 13-year-old brother, Cameron, for personal support. The 22-year-old also maintains a rigorous nutrition routine to fuel her performance throughout the tournament. Gauff enters this year's competition aiming to move past the challenges she experienced during her 2025 campaign.

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