Australian Open: Coco Gauff avoids shock R16 loss with massive comeback

No. 3 Coco Gauff survived a scare on Sunday to progress into the Australian Open quarterfinal, whereas defending champion Aryna Sabalenka routinely bought the job performed. 

Taking part in in opposition to former world No. 4 Belinda Bencic – who kicked off her post-pregnancy comeback in late 2024 – the American tennis star needed to dig deep and create a comeback earlier than ending on the profitable aspect 5-7 6-2 6-1. 

After dropping the primary set, Gauff grew to become way more aggressive and it labored out fairly nicely since she hit 27 winners throughout the final two units but in addition compelled the Swiss into 21 unforced errors. 

In her subsequent match, the American will play in opposition to Paula Badosa, who defeated Olga Danilovic.

In the meantime, Sabalenka was all enterprise in her round-of-16 match, ousting Mirra Andreeva 6-1 6-2. 

Aryna Sabalenka© Australian Open/X – Truthful Use

 

Proper from the beginning, the top-seeded Belarusian imposed her recreation and took full management of the match and finally sealed a win in simply over an hour of play after firing three aces, 15 winners, breaking her rival 4 occasions – all whereas not permitting the rising Russian star a single break.

For a spot within the semifinal, the defending champion performs in opposition to Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.

Gauff’s excellent streak continues

By beating Bencic, the 20-year-old improved to 9-0 in 2025. 

And since she additionally received her final two matches of 2024 – the semifinal and closing matches on the WTA Finals – her streak presently stands at 11-0.

When Gauff meets Badosa, she might be seeking to proceed her high-quality kind and clinch her fourth win over the Spaniard.

Whereas the Spanish tennis star additionally has three wins of their conferences, the American received each of their clashes from final 12 months.

Contemplating the present kind, it’s secure to say that the No. 3 seed would be the favourite of their matchup.

However forward of the match, Gauff warned that it’s “always a tough match against Paula.”