Coco Gauff battled past Paula Badosa in the night session at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Thursday to advance to round three of the US Open.
Gauff, now on an eight-match winning streak after securing the Cincinnati Open title, beat Badosa in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6.
The American has yet to drop a set in her US Open campaign thus far, and will now take on another Spaniard: Cristina Bucsa.
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Badosa, whose career has been hampered by injuries over the past few years, had recently enjoyed some strong results heading into the US Open.
She won the title in Bastad and the final of a Challenger event in Iasi before reaching the quarterfinals in Hamburg.
Despite a strong opening win against Daria Kasatkina at the US Open, it was not to be for Badosa, who issued a heartfelt message on social media after her loss to Gauff.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Badosa said: “Thanks to everyone for all the amazing and positive messages.
“I know this can be a very mean place sometimes, so receiving all this love and support means a lot to me.
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“I’m giving it my all to get back to where I want to be. Step by step, but getting there. As you already know, giving up is never an option.
“So, see you very soon. Thanks to all my unconditional fans. Love you. And to the haters, the ones who doubt me, criticize me or enjoy seeing me struggle… thank you.
“You only remind me how much I want to prove myself right. So yeah, love you too.”
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Gauff, arguably the biggest favourite in the women’s singles draw at the US Open, has met her next opponent, Bucsa, just once before.
The sole clash between the two came during the 2023 season at the Indian Wells Open.
There, Gauff came out on top in straight sets over Bucsa, winning 6-2, 6-4 to advance to the third round of the WTA 1000 event.
Bucsa, now 28 years of age, is one win away from guaranteeing her joint-best-ever Grand Slam result in singles at the US Open.
She recorded her personal best at the US Open last year by making the fourth round, where she fell to eventual champion Aryna Sabalenka.
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