Coco Gauff has been safely via to the Australian Open round-of-16 after ousting Leylah Fernandez 6-4 6-2.
Early within the first set, the No. 3 seed missed out on two early break factors however did not make the identical mistake within the seventh sport.
Up by a break, the American did not convert her first set level on the Canadian’s serve however closed out the set on her personal service within the tenth sport.
After sealing the opener, Gauff made a powerful begin to the second set, claiming back-to-back breaks for a 3-0 lead.
Whereas Fernandez managed to get one break again within the fourth sport, the 20-year-old earned one other break within the fifth sport earlier than serving out for the match within the eighth sport.
In the course of the match, the American fired 5 aces, 18 winners but additionally 25 unforced errors.
On the opposite aspect, Fernandez struggled to get something going because the 2021 US Open runner-up sprayed 25 unforced errors and had solely seven winners.
In her subsequent match, the 2023 US Open winner performs towards Belinda Bencic, who progressed through a Naomi Osaka retirement.
Coco Gauff© Australian Open/Instagram – Honest Use
What Gauff mentioned after beating Fernandez?
“I think it was harder because she knew what to expect, and I definitely think she played a little bit different today than at the United Cup,” the No. 3 seed mirrored.
“Leylah is a great competitor, great player, great person so I knew today was going to be a tough match regardless of the result a couple of weeks ago.”
Earlier than the Australian Open, the American additionally beat the Canadian on the United Cup.
Now, the world No. 3 has an 8-0 file to start out the 2025 season.
When Gauff takes on Bencic in her subsequent match, will probably be their third assembly – the head-to-head between them stands at 1-1.
