Home hopes Tiafoe, Paul and Gauff advance at US Open

NEW YORK :Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul and Coco Gauff all advanced to the third round of the U.S. Open on Wednesday to keep home hopes alive that an American player will be crowned champion at Flushing Meadows.

Tiafoe, who reached the semi-finals last year, breezed past Sebastian Ofner 6-3 6-1 6-4 under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium, the 10th seed meeting little resistance from the 58th ranked Austrian in their first career meeting.

Tiafoe did not drop serve in the match and sealed victory when he broke Ofner for a fifth time after the Austrian's forehand went wide.

Next up for Tiafoe is Frenchman Adrian Mannarino, who beat Fabian Marozsan 3-6 6-3 6-4 6-1 earlier in the day.

"It's going to be tough... but I'm ready for him," Tiafoe said.

No American man has hoisted the trophy at Flushing Meadows since Andy Roddick two decades ago, while Sloane Stephens was the last U.S. woman to win the title in 2017.

"Me and Taylor (Fritz) are in the top 10, Tommy is knocking on the door. We all grew up together and know each other so well so I think American tennis is in a great place," Tiafoe said.

"Hopefully we all keep going and stop that streak of Andy Roddick in '03."

Paul showed great heart to roar back from two sets down for the first time in his career to defeat Roman Safiullin 3-6 2-6 6-2 6-4 6-3.

When the match was over, the 14th seed from New Jersey raced over to hug and give a shirt to a young fan who had cheered him on throughout the more than three-hour contest.

Paul will have his hands full on Friday when he faces Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. The Spaniard has been sharp during the summer hardcourt swing and won his first two matches in straight sets.

On the women's side, sixth seed Gauff delivered a convincing 6-3 6-2 win