Coco Gauff advances unhindered to the third round of the Australian Open

Coco Gauff continued her winning streak despite facing a stern late challenge in her second-round match at the Australian Open. The third-seeded American appears poised to be a strong contender for the title in Melbourne and a fitting threat to defending champion Aryna Sabalenka. Sabalenka advanced to the third round earlier on Wednesday with a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Spain's Jessica Bouzas Maneiro at the Rod Laver Arena. Gauff, meanwhile, extended her unbeaten run to 16 consecutive victories, a streak that includes winning the WTA Finals title. Additionally, the 2023 US Open champion led Team USA to the United Cup title in Sydney, making a commanding start to the 2025 season and reinforcing her status as a top competitor. 

Coco Gauff overcomes Burrage to cruise into the third-round

Coco Gauff beat her compatriot and the nine-times Grand Slam champion in doubles tournament, Sofia Kenin in her opening draw at the Australian Open. Subsequently, the third-seed met the Brit, Jodie Anna Burrage in her second-round contest at the Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday. Burrage arrived on this stage after claiming a 6-2, 6-4 victory over France's Leolia Jeanjean on Monday. While Gauff seemed to claim an easy hold on the British seed, Burrage produced a commendable challenge in the second set against the American top-ranker.

The No. 3 seed, aiming for her second singles Grand Slam title, dominated the first set with ease, claiming it 6-3 in just 35 minutes. Gauff carried the form into the second set, quickly taking a 2-0 lead. However, a series of unforced errors and double faults shifted the tide, giving Burrage an opening. The Brit capitalized, breaking Gauff at 3-3 and riding a wave of confidence to win four consecutive games, putting herself ahead 5-3 and serving for the set. Despite the pressure, Burrage faltered during her service game, allowing Gauff to break back and regain her rhythm. The 20-year-old American then stormed through the final four games, sealing her victory on Rod Laver Arena and booking her spot in the third round.

"She was serving really well, so I was just trying to manage that, honestly," said Gauff following the victory. "All the first-serve points, I was starting off on defense. She really stepped her level up in the middle of the second set, so I was just trying to be offensive when I could. I doubled a little bit, but she was returning well so it put pressure on my serve," she added. "Maybe next time, mix up the targets a bit."

The outcome paves the way for an exciting third-round clash between 2021 US Open finalist and 30th seed Leylah Fernandez and Gauff. The duo met two weeks ago at the United Cup, where Gauff emerged victorious with a convincing 6-3, 6-2 win. Fernandez, meanwhile, secured her spot with a hard-fought 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Cristina Bucsa in the first-round during which she struck 30 winners.