Coco Gauff advances to Australian Open fourth round with win

Coco Gauff defeats Leylah Fernandez in straight sets to maintain her unbeaten start to the season.

Coco Gauff of the United States reacts during her women's singles match against Leylah Fernandez of Canada on day six of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 17, 2025. Photo by Paul Crock/AFP/Getty Images

By Yuni Utomo and Widya Putri

Coco Gauff continued her remarkable start to the season with a commanding straight-sets victory over Leylah Fernandez on Friday, securing her spot in the fourth round of the Australian Open. The world number three displayed her trademark power and precision, defeating the 30th-seeded Canadian 6-4, 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena.

The win keeps Gauff’s record flawless in 2025, as she remains undefeated in eight matches. The 20-year-old American has yet to drop a set this season, building on her strong performance at the United Cup, where she also defeated Fernandez 6-3, 6-2.

"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," Gauff said after the match. She also praised Fernandez, calling her "a great competitor, great player, and great person."

Gauff is now riding a 12-match winning streak, a run that dates back to her triumph at the 2023 US Open. As one of the top contenders for the Australian Open title, she has shown no signs of slowing down.

Coco Gauff of the United States speaks during an interview after defeating Canada's Leylah Fernandez in their women's singles match on day six of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 17, 2025. Photo by Paul Crock/AFP/Getty Images

Gauff's performance on Friday showcased her growing maturity and tactical acumen. After a closely contested start to the first set, she broke Fernandez’s serve to love and never looked back. In the second set, Gauff established control with a double break, leading 3-0.

Although Fernandez managed to break back, capitalizing on a pair of double faults from Gauff, the American quickly regained her composure. She broke Fernandez again to secure a 4-1 lead and maintained her dominance until the final point.

Gauff sealed the match in style, delivering two stunning backhand winners and an unreturnable lob to close out the match in just 1 hour and 16 minutes.

Gauff, who reached the semi-finals in Melbourne last year before falling to Aryna Sabalenka, is determined to go further this year. She is drawn to face world number one and defending champion Sabalenka again in the semi-finals if both players advance.

Before that, Gauff will need to get past 12th-seeded Belinda Bencic in the fourth round. Bencic advanced after Naomi Osaka retired due to injury.

Fernandez’s breakthrough halted

Leylah Fernandez of Canada hits a backhand during her women's singles third-round match against Coco Gauff of the United States on day six of the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 17, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

For Leylah Fernandez, this was her best performance at the Australian Open, having reached the third round for the first time. However, the Canadian struggled to match Gauff’s precision and pace. Fernandez, a 2021 US Open finalist, will look to build on her strong start to the season as she continues to climb the rankings.

As Gauff prepares to face Bencic, her focus remains on maintaining her momentum. The 20-year-old is aiming for her second Grand Slam title and her first Australian Open crown. With her confidence at an all-time high, Gauff has firmly established herself as one of the favorites to lift the trophy in Melbourne.

This latest victory not only underscores Gauff's exceptional form but also reinforces her status as one of the brightest stars in women’s tennis. Fans will be eagerly watching as she continues her quest for glory at the Australian Open.