Coco Gauff is not underestimating the ability of her next opponent at the Australian Open after fighting back from a set down to win her latest match.
The former US Open champion was forced to dig deep against Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic who she defeated 5-7, 6-2, 6-1, in the fourth round on Sunday. It is the first time in the tournament that Guaff has dropped a set as she extends her unbeaten start to 2025 to nine matches in a row. According to OptaAce, the American is the youngest player to start two consecutive seasons by winning nine WTA-level matches since Monica Seles did so in 1992 and 1993.
“She was playing great tennis. Belinda is obviously a great player, no matter what form she’s in,” Gauff told reporters.
“I just was trying to be more aggressive in the second and third. Kind of play bigger because she was playing so big.”
World No.3 Gauff is making her sixth main draw appearance in Melbourne with her best run being to the semi-finals last year. She is one of two women to have reached the last 16 of the tournament three seasons in a row before their 21st birthday within the last 15 years. The other player to do so was Iga Swiatek.
Seeking her first title in Australia, Gauff is not thinking too far ahead with a potentially tricky clash against Paula Badosa looming. She beat the Spaniard twice last season but was taken to three sets in both of those matches. Overall, their head-to-head is tied at 3-3. Badosa moved into the quarter-finals after beating Serbia’s Olga Danilovic 6-1, 7-6(2).
“She’s a tough opponent. Every time I play her, it is going to be a tough match,” Gauff said of Badosa.
“She’s a great player, coming off some great momentum. Hopefully, I can play good tennis but I expect her to bring her best.
“It’s a high-stakes match but I’m excited. I love competing. I feel like these matches will only make me better.”
As to what it is about Badosa that makes it tough for Gauff to play against, one thing comes to her mind.
“Her physicality. She can serve well on both wings of the court. I just think her physicality. She’s a great mover and can play aggressively. I think she’s an all-around player, complete player.” She commented.
Gaiff is aiming to become the first American to win an Australian Open singles title since Sofia Kenin in 2020.
