Coco Gauff is making waves at the Australian Open, but her journey hasn’t been without its challenges. After a hard-fought win against Belinda Bencic in the round of 16, the world No. 3 now turns her attention to a familiar rival, Paula Badosa, in what promises to be a high-stakes quarterfinal clash.
Gauff outlasts a formidable Bencic
Facing Belinda Bencic, who recently returned to the Tour after maternity leave, Gauff was pushed to her limits. Despite Bencic’s current No. 294 ranking, the Swiss star brought her signature aggressive style to the court, testing the 2023 US Open champion’s resilience.
Gauff dropped the first set 5-7 but stormed back to dominate the next two, winning 6-2, 6-1. “Belinda is obviously a great player, no matter what form she’s in,” Gauff said after the match. “I just was trying to be more aggressive in the second and third. Kind of play bigger because she was playing so big.”
The match highlighted Bencic’s potential for a successful post-pregnancy comeback while reaffirming Gauff’s status as a relentless competitor.
Eyeing Badosa: A clash of titans
The road ahead isn’t getting any easier for Gauff. Her next opponent, Paula Badosa, has been one of the most consistent performers on the WTA Tour since mid-2024. The Spaniard, currently ranked No. 12, holds a 3-3 head-to-head record against Gauff, making their upcoming quarterfinal a tantalizing showdown.
“Every time I play Paula, it’s a tough match,” Gauff admitted. “She’s playing great tennis. Last time we played, it went three sets. I expect it to be another tough match.”
Both players are in red-hot form. Badosa is riding a wave of success, while Gauff has won her last 11 matches, a streak dating back to her triumph at the WTA Finals in Riyadh.
The stakes couldn’t be higher
With a second consecutive Australian Open semifinal appearance on the line, Gauff’s focus remains unwavering. At just 20 years old, the American has already proven her mettle, blending raw talent with strategic maturity on the court. But against an opponent like Badosa, who thrives in high-pressure situations, Gauff will need to bring her A-game.
Will Gauff’s aggressive playstyle and recent momentum be enough to overcome Badosa’s consistency and grit? One thing is certain: tennis fans are in for a thrilling encounter.
