Stephens overpowers Gauff at US Open; Osaka’s foe withdraws

By HOWARD FENDRICH
AP Tennis Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — Sloane Stephens has used her big forehand to take eight of the last 10 games and eliminate 17-year-old Coco Gauff in an all-American matchup at the U.S. Open. Stephens needed just 66 minutes to claim the second-round contest 6-4, 6-2 under a closed roof at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The 2017 U.S. Open champion and 2018 French Open runner-up only faced one break point and saved it. The loud rain pounding on the roof of the arena made it tough to hear the players’ rackets smacking the tennis balls. Defending champion Naomi Osaka advanced when her opponent withdrew from the tournament because she’s sick.