When marching in for the first match of the Night Session at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Cori Gauff received significantly more applause than Sloane Stephens. After that, Sloane Stephens mercilessly took over command. And gave her compatriot a lesson that actually lasted just over 60 minutes. Stephens won 6-4 and 6.2 and plays either Angelique Kerber or Anhelina Kalinina on Friday.

Even in round one, Stephens had to prevail against an American. Against Madison Keys, which she defeated like in the 2017 final. Back then straight in two, this time extremely tight in three runs. In any case, Stephens played against Gauff like in their very best days. With a lot of variation, wit - and when it came down to it, with speed too. There was also a great anticipation, Gauff didn't even know where to play the balls. Stephens was mostly already there.

Gauff's box, in which, as usual, both father Corey and Patrick Mouratoglou sat, could only marvel. And applaud fair at the end. What could only be seen but not heard: During the match, heavy rain had fallen over Arthur Ashe Stadium. Which amplified the already existing noise from the air conditioning and the murmuring of the audience.

Here the single tableau of women

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