For Andreeva, the tough thing about playing the No. 1 player in the world is that it’s easy to make excuses for herself.
“Sometimes there are thoughts that are, you know, I feel like, OK, she’s No. 1, maybe it’s OK if this doesn’t work. Or maybe I play not that good here…well, I mean, she’s No. 1, it’s OK.”
It’s hard to say whether Andreeva should feel more encouraged about her chances this time around. While she has won three matches, she had to make a great escape, from 3-5 down in the third, against Moyuka Uchijima, and she dropped another set against Magdalena Frech.
As for Sabalenka, she has yet to lose a set, but her last two opponents, Clara Tauson and Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, each pushed her to a point where she got tight. They showed that if you can take the initiative away from Sabalenka, and stand toe to toe with her, you can make her nervous and disrupt her attack.
Andreeva has the ground-stroke power to do that, but she’ll want to be sharper earlier than she has been so far this week, especially on these fairly fast hard courts. If she can land some punches early, the Sabalenka onslaught could be neutralized. Winner: Sabalenka
The Australian Open fourth round is heating up with some exciting matchups on the horizon. Here are previews of three must-watch matches:
1. Coco Gauff vs. Belinda Bencic:
Young phenom Coco Gauff will face off against the seasoned veteran Belinda Bencic in what promises to be a thrilling clash of generations. Gauff has been in fine form this tournament, showcasing her trademark speed and power on the court. Bencic, on the other hand, is a crafty player with a wealth of experience on the big stage. Expect a close contest with plenty of fireworks from both players.
2. Sabalenka vs. Andreeva:
Aryna Sabalenka, the hard-hitting Belarusian, will take on the up-and-coming Russian Anna Andreeva in a battle of power versus finesse. Sabalenka has been on a tear recently, dominating her opponents with her aggressive style of play. Andreeva, meanwhile, has been turning heads with her precise shot-making and tactical acumen. This match has all the makings of a classic showdown between two contrasting styles of play.
3. Alcaraz vs. Draper:
In a clash of the young guns, rising stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jack Draper will go head-to-head for a spot in the quarterfinals. Alcaraz, the Spanish sensation, has been making waves on the ATP tour with his fearless play and raw talent. Draper, the British prodigy, has been garnering attention for his smooth left-handed strokes and composure under pressure. This match is sure to be a showcase of the next generation of tennis talent.
Stay tuned for these exciting matchups and more as the Australian Open fourth round unfolds. Who will come out on top and book their spot in the quarterfinals? Only time will tell.
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Women’s world No. 3 American tennis star Coco Gauff will play Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic in the Round of 16 at the Australian Open today. So far this week Gauff has been on a roll, making her way to the Fourth Round of the tournament without dropping a single set. The pair will meet on the court tonight in Rod Laver Arena, starting around 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Here’s everything you need to know about tuning into the Coco Gauff vs . Belinda Bencic match, along with the full tournament schedule, where to stream the Australian Open, how to watch matches for free and more.
Date: Saturday, Jan. 18
Time: 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
Game: Coco Gauff vs. Belinda Bencic
Location: Melbourne Park, Melbourne, AU – Rod Laver Arena
Channel: ESPN2, ESPN Deportes
Streaming: ESPN+, Sling and more
American tennis star Coco Gauff will face Belinda Bencic in the Australian Open Round of 16 today. The match will take place after Sabalenka vs. Andreeva in Rod Laver Arena, estimated to start around 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
This evening’s Coco Gauff vs. Belinda Bencic match will stream on ESPN+. Select coverage of tonight’s Australian Open matches will also air on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.
On top of airing on ESPN, this year’s Australian grand slam will stream live on ESPN+, so if you don’t want to pay for a pricey cable or streaming package that includes ESPN, this is a budget-friendly alternative. An ESPN+ subscription grants you access to exclusive ESPN+ content including live events like UFC Fight Night and F1 races, fantasy sports tools and premium ESPN+ articles. You can stream ESPN+ through an app on your smart TV, phone, tablet, computer and on ESPN.com.
While Sling doesn’t offer a free trial, it’ll get you through the entirety of the Australian Open for as low as $23 for the first month. Sling TV’s Orange plan offers ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN3. While Sling Orange doesn’t include access to your local ABC, a TV antenna may help fill that gap for you. A Sling subscription also includes 50 hours of free DVR storage, so if you’re worried about missing any of the grand slam action, you can always record your games.
Hulu’s live TV tier includes access to live TV channels ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC, plus ESPN+ and ad-supported Disney+, meaning you can watch the Australian Open across almost every channel airing coverage in the US, plus tune in via ESPN+ — and enjoy over 95 other channels. You’ll also enjoy access to unlimited DVR storage. Hulu + Live TV starts at $83/month after the free trial period.
Day matches start at 7 p.m. ET, with more matches rolling in at 8 p.m. ET, not before 9 p.m ET and not before 11 p.m. ET. Night sessions start at 3 a.m. ET.
Jan. 18-19:
Fourth Round (Women and Men)
Jan. 20-21:
Quarterfinals (Women and Men)
Jan. 22-23:
Women’s Semifinals
Jan. 23-24:
Men’s Semifinals
Jan. 25:
Women’s Final
Jan. 26:
Men’s Final
Here are the 2025 Australian Open seeds:
Men:
1. Jannik Sinner
2. Alexander Zverev
3. Carlos Alcaraz
4. Taylor Fritz
5. Daniil Medvedev
6. Casper Ruud
7. Novak Djokovic
8. Alex de Minaur
9. Andrey Rublev
10. Grigor Dimitrov
11. Stefanos Tsitsipas
12. Tommy Paul
13. Holger Rune
14. Ugo Humbert
15. Jack Draper
16. Lorenzo Musetti
17. Frances Tiafoe
18. Hubert Hurkacz
19. Karen Khachanov
20. Arthur Fils
21. Ben Shelton
22. Sebastian Korda
23. Alejandro Tabilo
24. Jiri Lehecka
25. Alexei Popyrin
26. Tomas Machac
27. Jordan Thompson
28. Sebastian Baez
29. Felix Auger-Aliassime
30. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard
31. Francisco Cerundolo
32. Flavio Cobolli
Women:
1. Aryna Sabalenka
2. Iga Swiatek
3. Coco Gauff
4. Jasmine Paolini
5. Qinwen Zheng
6. Elena Rybakina
7. Jessica Pegula
8. Emma Navarro
9. Daria Kasatkina
10. Danielle Collins
11. Paula Badosa
12. Diana Shnaider
13. Anna Kalinskaya
14. Mirra Andreeva
15. Beatriz Haddad Maia
16. Jelena Ostapenko
17. Marta Kostyuk
18. Donna Vekic
19. Madison Keys
20. Karolina Muchova
21. Victoria Azarenka
22. Katie Boulter
23. Magdalena Frech
24. Yulia Putintseva
25. Liudmila Samsonova
26. Ekaterina Alexandrova
27. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
28. Elina Svitolina
29. Linda Noskova
30. Leylah Fernandez
31. Maria Sakkari
32. Dayana Yastremska
The highly anticipated match between Coco Gauff and Belinda Bencic is set to take place today at the Australian Open 2025. Tennis fans around the world are eager to see these two talented players face off on the court. If you’re looking to catch all the action, here’s how you can watch the match:
1. TV Broadcast: Check your local sports channels to see if they will be airing the match live. Major sports networks like ESPN, Eurosport, and Tennis Channel often broadcast matches from the Australian Open.
2. Streaming Services: If you prefer to watch online, you can stream the match on platforms like ESPN+, Eurosport Player, and Tennis TV. These services usually require a subscription, so make sure to sign up in advance.
3. Official Australian Open Website: The official website of the Australian Open usually offers live streaming of matches, including the Gauff vs. Bencic showdown. Simply visit the website and look for the live streaming section.
4. Social Media: Keep an eye on the official social media accounts of the Australian Open, as they may provide updates and highlights of the match. You can also follow the players’ social media accounts for behind-the-scenes content.
Don’t miss out on this exciting match between Coco Gauff and Belinda Bencic at the Australian Open 2025. Tune in to watch these two rising stars battle it out on the court!
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Australian Open 2025, Coco Gauff vs Belinda Bencic, watch live, match today, tennis, Grand Slam, tournament, players, schedule, streaming, broadcast, highlights, results.
#Australian #Open #watch #Coco #Gauff #Belinda #Bencic #match #today
American Coco Gauff had to navigate an unexpected obstacle Wednesday in her march to the third round of the Australian Open.
Up a set and seemingly cruising to victory over Jodie Burrage of Great Britain, Gauff mysteriously couldn’t hold her serve as Burrage fought her way back into the match. After breaking Gauff twice, the 85th-ranked Burrage had a chance to serve for the set and pull even.
However, the moment was too much for her as a double-fault to drop serve gave Gauff the opening she needed and the tournament’s No. 3 seed closed out a 6-3, 7-5 victory.
“I think it was just one of those things, just step up my level against her,” she told reporters afterward.
AUSTRALIAN OPEN STORYLINES: Coco Gauff ‘confident’ in bid for second Grand Slam title
Gauff, the 2023 U.S. Open champion, will next face Canadian Leylah Fernandez in the third round in Melbourne.
Gauff previously trained with left-handed compatriot Robin Montgomery to prepare for Fernandez and beat the Canadian 6-3 6-2 in their first tour-level match at the recent United Cup.
“We’ll see two days from now if it makes a difference or not,” she said. “It’s a different match, different story. Anything can happen.”
Contributing: Reuters
Coco Gauff, the rising tennis star, narrowly avoided an upset in the second round of the Australian Open. The 17-year-old American battled through a tough match against her opponent, coming back from a set down to secure the win.
Gauff showed her resilience and fighting spirit as she fought off a determined challenger who was looking to pull off a major upset. Despite facing some tough moments and being pushed to the limit, Gauff managed to dig deep and find a way to win.
With this hard-fought victory, Gauff advances to the next round of the tournament, keeping her hopes alive for a deep run at the Australian Open. Fans around the world will be eagerly watching to see how far this young phenom can go in the competition.
Stay tuned for more updates on Coco Gauff’s journey at the Australian Open as she continues to showcase her talent and determination on the court.
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Coco Gauff, Australian Open, tennis, Coco Gauff Australian Open, Coco Gauff second round, Coco Gauff upset bid, Coco Gauff match, Coco Gauff tennis, Coco Gauff news, Coco Gauff highlights
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A battle between seeded players Coco Gauff and Leylah Fernandez highlights third round action at the 2025 Australian Open in Melbourne. Paula Badosa vs Marta Kostyuk is also on the match card as we have predictions for every day 6 match.
Andreas Pelekis: Leylah Fernandez will make her third-round debut at the Australian Open, but her form hasn’t been amazing at this tournament so far. Gauff looked more confident in a 6-3 7-5 second-round win over Jodie Burrage, and she’ll reach the second week with a win here. The pair also recently played at the United Cup this year, where Gauff won easily. Gauff in 2
Jordan Reynolds: Gauff has not been at her best in the opening two rounds, but she still won both matches in straight sets. At her best, Fernandez is capable of pushing the American and the fans will likely be treated to several great rallies. Overall, Gauff’s greater firepower gives her the edge. Gauff in 2
Yesh Ginsburg: Coco Gauff looks to be in tremendous form right now. Fernandez has the talent to stick with her, but it’s been years since we saw the Canadian put everything together like she’d need to. Gauff in 2
Andreas: This should be a big-hitting battle, with Sabalenka encountering someone rising in form and confidence. After a couple of challenging seasons with injuries, it seems like Tauson has found her rhythm. Sabalenka also looked vulnerable at times in her second-round match, saving herself from a third set and winning 6-3 7-5. I wouldn’t rule out a three-set match, but the defending Australian Open champion should have enough to win. Sabalenka in 3
Jordan: There will plenty of big-hitting between two of the most powerful players on the WTA Tour. Tauson is in the best form of her career, but that does not change the fact she is not near Sabalenka’s level. Expect the defending champion to prevail comfortably. Sabalenka in 2
Yesh: Aryna Sabalenka has been in imperious form recently. I don’t know what it will take to beat her, but I’m pretty sure it’s more than Tauson can muster. Sabalenka in 2
Andreas: Siegemund clinched quite the upset over Qinwen Zheng in the second round, but it’s often a tough out to defend such a result in the next match. Pavlyuchenkova hasn’t been too convincing in her first two matches, but she has an underrated game that I think will overpower the German in two close sets. Pavlyuchenkova in 2
Jordan: This is likely to be a battle between attack and defense. Siegemund showed how awkward her variety can be to handle in her shock win against Qinwen Zheng. I think the German can do the same against the more inconsistent Pavlyuchenkova. Siegemund in 3
Yesh: This should be a fun match. Both women play strong tennis with good all-court games. I don’t know how much longer Pavlyuchenkova can compete at the higher levels, but she can probably dig out more than the German woman when called upon. Pavlyuchenkova in 3
Andreas: A defending quarterfinalist from last year’s Australian Open, Kostyuk struggled in her first-round match, but cruised to a 6-3 6-0 win Wednesday against Jule Niemeier. Badosa, meanwhile, has looked consistent and confident in her two opening matches. The pair have played four times, and twice at the Australian Open in which Badosa came away with the victory. Kostyuk’s only victory was via retirement. Look for the Spaniard to outhit Kostyuk and reach the second week. Badosa in 2
Jordan: This might be the best third round match on the women’s side. These two seem perfectly matched, with Badosa the slightly more powerful, but Kostyuk being marginally more athletic. It is tough to pick a winner, but Badosa is backed to edge it. Badosa in 3
Yesh: Is Paula Badosa out of her doldrums and ready to be a Top 5 player again? The answer is a solid maybe, which looks a lot stronger than Kostyuk’s potential right now. Badosa in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
The Australian Open Day 6 is set to be an exciting one for women’s tennis, with several intriguing matchups on the schedule. One of the most highly anticipated matches of the day is between rising stars Coco Gauff and Leylah Fernandez.
Gauff, the 17-year-old American sensation, has been making waves in the tennis world since bursting onto the scene a few years ago. She has already shown her ability to compete with the best in the world, and will be looking to continue her impressive run at the Australian Open.
On the other side of the net will be Fernandez, the 19-year-old Canadian who has been steadily climbing the rankings and making a name for herself on the tour. She has shown great skill and determination in her matches, and will be a tough opponent for Gauff.
This matchup between two young and talented players is sure to be a thrilling one, with both players hungry for a win. It’s difficult to predict a winner in this match, as both players have the potential to come out on top. However, Gauff’s experience and composure under pressure may give her the edge in this match.
In addition to this exciting matchup, there are several other intriguing matches to look out for on Day 6 of the Australian Open. Stay tuned for all the action and drama as the tournament continues to heat up.
Tags:
#Australian #Open #Day #Womens #Predictions #Including #Coco #Gauff #Leylah #Fernandez
“Another three-hour match, back to back against the youngsters,” Djokovic said after his four-set, second-round win over 21-year-old Jaime Faria, which came two days after his four-set win over a 19-year-old qualifier.
If Djokovic sounds proud of his stamina at 37, he has a right to be. But he’ll likely want to clean up the rest of his game a little against the 24-year-old, 26th-seeded Machac.
The Czech is not only young, he can bash a ball from the baseline with the best of them, including Djokovic. They’ve played twice, both matches have gone three sets, and each man has won once. In the seven months since they last faced each other, Machac has shown even more upside; in Shanghai last October, he outhit and upset Carlos Alcaraz.
Two things may help Djokovic. Traditionally, the third round is when he begins to put his game in cruise control at the Slams. The early, ragged, four-set wins turn into more polished straight-setters. And while Machac is 13 years younger, he’s coming off a long, five-set struggle with Reilly Opelka.
Machac is a dangerous opponent for Djokovic, but I’m not ready to bet on him winning over best of five. Winner: Djokovic
As the Australian Open heats up, many tennis fans are wondering if top players like Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka, or Novak Djokovic are in danger of being upset in the tournament. With tough competition and unpredictable outcomes, anything can happen on the court. Stay tuned to see if these tennis superstars can navigate their way through the Australian Open unscathed.
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The Australian Open is bubbling up nicely with the three leading women’s singles contenders all still battling for the title.
Top seed Aryna Sabalenka, second seed Iga Swiatek, and third seed Coco Gauff are all yet to drop a set in Melbourne, but the title was not the only thing at stake heading into the tournament.
All three had opportunities to end the tournament as the world No 1, with incumbent – and defending champion – Sabalenka facing the most pressure in terms of points to defend.
With two rounds of action done, we look at what’s now at stake in the battle for the top spot.
With impressive wins over Sofia Kenin and Jodie Burrage to start her campaign, Gauff is well in contention to win her second Grand Slam singles title this fortnight.
However, her (admittedly slim) chances of ending the tournament as the world No 1 are now over, thanks to Swiatek making the third round.
The American can move to a maximum of 8,108 points with a run to the title, while Swiatek has already moved to 8,120 points after matching her round three result from 2024.
That ensures Gauff cannot rise to the top of the WTA Rankings for the first time after the event, though she could still overtake Sabalenka and move back to her career-high of world No 2.
For that to happen, she would need to lift the title and hope defending champion Sabalenka does not reach the last four.
John McEnroe delivers Emma Raducanu verdict ahead of Iga Swiatek clash
Watch: Danielle Collins riles up Australian Open crowd with hilarious celebration
Having matched her round three run from 2024, Swiatek no longer has any more points to defend in Melbourne – meaning any further match wins will see her increase her total of ranking points.
In contrast, Sabalenka – ahead of Friday’s third round against Clara Tauson – still has 1,870 points to defend after earning 2000 points for her title run 12 months ago.
Now Swiatek has reached the third round, world No 1 Sabalenka must reach the semi-finals to have any chance of hanging onto her ranking.
That does not change should Swiatek progress to the fourth round and then the quarter-finals, though if the Pole reaches the semi-final, Sabalenka would then have to make the final.
Should the top two seeds then meet in the final, the winner would hold the world No 1 ranking come Monday.
Potential ranking points for Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek.
Sabalenka could move one step closer to defending her ranking and title on Friday when she faces the unseeded Tauson inside the Rod Laver Arena.
The Belarusian could then face 14th seed Mirra Andreeva in the fourth round and then 12th seed Diana Shnaider in the quarter-final – with projected opponent, fifth seed Zheng Qinwen, already out.
That could set up a semi-final against third seed Gauff, who she beat in the last four a year ago.
Having beaten Rebecca Sramkova on Thursday, Swiatek will return to court on Saturday for a round three clash against Emma Raducanu.
If she wins that match, she’ll face Jaqueline Cristian or Eva Lys in the fourth round, before a projected quarter-final against eighth seed Emma Navarro, and a semi-final versus fourth seed Jasmine Paolini.
The highly anticipated match between Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka at the upcoming tennis tournament has fans buzzing with excitement. Both players have been in top form recently, making this match a must-watch for tennis enthusiasts.
Unfortunately, rising star Coco Gauff has been knocked out of contention in the tournament, leaving fans disappointed but eager to see how Swiatek and Sabalenka will fare against each other. With their impressive skills and determination, it’s sure to be an intense and thrilling match that will keep spectators on the edge of their seats.
Stay tuned for updates on this exciting showdown between two of the best in the game!
Tags:
Iga Swiatek vs Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, tennis match, WTA, Grand Slam, women’s singles, sports news, tournament update, player analysis, match highlights
#Iga #Swiatek #Aryna #Sabalenka #Coco #Gauff #contention
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United Cup
United States and Poland to meet for the trophy
January 04, 2025
Peter Staples/ATP Tour
Taylor Fritz is the No. 4 player in the PIF ATP Rankings.
By ATP/WTA Staff
The 2023 United Cup champion, the United States, is one match from claiming another trophy at the mixed-teams event.
After Coco Gauff began her country’s semi-final tie against Czechia with a comprehensive victory against Karolina Muchova, Tomas Machac was in great position to level the tie for his country against Taylor Fritz. But from serving for the match at 7-6(4), 5-3, the No. 25 player in the PIF ATP Rankings lost three consecutive games to World No. 4 Fritz and then abruptly retired.
“He said he’d been cramping for a couple games already. I didn’t notice, but yeah,” Fritz said in his on-court interview with Mark Petchey. “He was moving pretty well, but I guess he was playing through it, fighting. It’s really humid in here.
“That’s something I was thinking was a possibility if I could win that set, take it to a third I was thinking maybe someone might start cramping later on. It’s tough conditions, it was a physical match.”
After losing the first three games of the match, Machac seized control, playing with controlled aggression and the occasional flair to put Fritz on the back foot. He earned 10 break points in the match, converting two of them according to Infosys ATP Stats.
But Fritz broke the Czech’s serve at 3-5 in the second set to stay alive and that proved critical in the pair’s second Lexus ATP Head2Head meeting (the American was victorious in five sets at Roland Garros in 2020).
As has happened in previous matches in Sydney, Czech captain Daniel Vacek massaged his player’s legs during a changeover. But on this occasion, it was not enough to prevent Machac’s retirement.
The United States will now take on Iga Swiatek, Hubert Hurkacz and Poland on Sunday for the trophy.
“It’s great to be back. That was a crazy match, very physical and it’s not the way that I that I guess I want to win,” Fritz said. “But I think we’re all happy that we’re back in the final again.”
Earlier, World No. 3 Gauff engineered a dominant performance Saturday to move the United States to within a point of advancing to the United Cup final. Gauff raced through a 6-1, 6-4 victory over No.22 Karolina Muchova to improve to a perfect 4-0 against the talented Czech.
“It’s never easy against Karolina,” Gauff said. “The whole match I was intense and focussed and I think that made the difference today. Happy to get my team off to a a good start here in Sydney.”
Gauff was prophetic when she looked ahead to the challenge her countryman Fritz faced against Mahac.
“It’s a tough match, Machac is a great player,” Gauff said. “I have full confidence in Taylor. He’s a great player, he has one of the best mindsets on Tour. I don’t take that lightly. After spending time with him at the Olympics on the mixed court, and then today and this past week, this is just the beginning. That’s why today I have a lot of confidence he’ll pull out the win. And if not, I’ll be ready to play mixed.”
The Americans took home the title two years ago in the event’s inaugural edition, with Fritz partnering Jessica Pegula to deliver the win.
Entering Saturday night’s showdown at Ken Rosewall Arena, Gauff had never lost a set to Muchova, winning all six contested. Showing no signs of fatigue from the cross-country trip from Perth, Gauff came out of the gates hot and confident. She needed less than 10 minutes to build a 3-0 lead and closed out the opening set by saving two break points in her final game.
Gauff led 4-2 in the second set before Muchova settled in and broke the American’s serve for the first time, doing it in style with a pitch-perfect volley. But Gauff’s baseline defence proved too much for Muchova. The Czech handed the break back with an errant game and Gauff served out the 90-minute win.
Taylor Fritz and Coco Gauff showcased their incredible talent and determination as they led the United States to the United Cup final.
Fritz, the rising star of American tennis, put on a masterclass performance as he defeated his opponents with ease, displaying his powerful serves and impeccable groundstrokes. His impressive win streak helped propel the United States to the final, where they will face off against a formidable opponent.
On the other hand, Gauff, the teenage sensation, proved once again why she is considered one of the brightest prospects in women’s tennis. Her tenacity and skill on the court were on full display as she dominated her matches and secured crucial victories for her team.
Together, Fritz and Gauff have united the nation in support of their incredible performances and unwavering determination. Fans are eagerly anticipating the final match, where they will undoubtedly continue to shine and lead the United States to victory in the United Cup.
Tags:
Taylor Fritz, Coco Gauff, United States, United Cup final, ATP Tour, tennis, sports, American tennis players, tennis tournament, mixed doubles, finals, champions, Team USA, professional athletes, competition, victory, success, athletes, tournament play
#Taylor #Fritz #Coco #Gauff #send #United #States #United #Cup #final #ATP #Tour
Karolina Muchova helped the Czech Republic defeat Italy 2-1 and secure a spot in the United Cup semifinals on Friday, December 3. Muchova defeated Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 6-2 after Tomas Machac managed to get the better of Flavio Cobolli in straight sets.
Now, the 2023 French Open runner-up is staring at a clash with Coco Gauff, which won’t be as easy as the one against Paolini. While Muchova has been very good for a couple of years, she has struggled to remain consistent due to persistent injury issues.
The new season has started on a strong note for the Czech, but it promises to get a bit more complicated as the season progresses towards difficult matchups. In the post-match press conference, Karolina Muchova discussed the upcoming fixtures and addressed the role fatigue could play ahead of a difficult clash against Coco Gauff. Reflecting on her recent run of performances, Muchova said:
“I take it very positively,” Muchova said. “It’s so good, especially before Melbourne is going to come, to have these tough matches. I’m playing, I’d say, almost top-10 players. And as you mentioned, I didn’t play matches for two months or something like that, so it’s very important for me to play them, to play the best players, to see where is my game, where is their game, and then learn from even the wins and the loss, as well, and just try to get back to where I was playing end of last year and even better.”
To secure the final, the Czech Republic will have to face the United States on Saturday, December 4. Acknowledging USA as a ‘difficult opposition’, Karolina Muchova previewed the semifinal clash, maintaining that recovering in time was key.
While Karolina Muchova-led Czechia would be looking to secure a spot in the final, it won’t be an easy task given USA’s compelling run. Muchova, in particular, will have a tough job having to face Coco Gauff, one of the best players in the world.
Discussing their upcoming clash during the same post-match conference, Muchova said she wasn’t thinking too much about her match against Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz, but admitted that getting past them wouldn’t be easy.
“I don’t know. I don’t want to talk for Tomas, but I’m not really thinking about tomorrow yet. Yeah, I guess we know it’s a really tough opponent. They are both amazing athletes. So I think for us, the most important is to recover as quick as possible and just get ready for tomorrow,” Muchova said.
If Muchova manages to defeat Gauff, it would be her first victory in the four occasions that the two have faced each other on tour. United States enter the semifinal on the back of a dominant 3-0 win against China on Wednesday, January 1.
Edited by Shirsh
Karolina Muchova makes her feelings known about facing Coco Gauff in United Cup SF
In a recent press conference, Karolina Muchova didn’t hold back when asked about her upcoming semifinal match against rising star Coco Gauff in the United Cup. The Czech player admitted that she was both excited and nervous to face the 17-year-old American sensation.
Muchova praised Gauff for her impressive performances and rapid rise in the tennis world, acknowledging that she would have to bring her A-game to compete with such a talented opponent. However, she also expressed confidence in her own abilities and stated that she was determined to give it her all on the court.
The match between Muchova and Gauff is highly anticipated by fans and tennis enthusiasts, as both players have shown great skill and determination throughout the tournament. It promises to be a thrilling and competitive showdown, with both players vying for a spot in the final.
Stay tuned for what is sure to be an exciting matchup between Karolina Muchova and Coco Gauff in the United Cup semifinals. It’s sure to be a match you won’t want to miss!
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Coco Gauff has completed her assignment by winning the opening singles rubber in the United Cup semis.
Gauff defeated Karolína Muchová 6-1, 6-4 to give the US a 1-0 lead over Czechia at Ken Rosewall Arena.
Service breaks were traded late in the second set, but Gauff already had one up her sleeve.
Taylor Fritz is up next against Tomáš Macháč.
That’s the official note from the tournament organisers.
Hopefully he’ll be OK to play in the Australian Open.
Coco Gauff is two games away from giving the US a 1-0 lead in its semifinal with Czechia.
Having won the first set 6-1 against Karolína Muchová, Gauff is up 4-2 in the second, with a break in hand.
She did have some trouble holding serve in the sixth game of the second set, with Muchová picking up break points.
But Gauff eventually held to move a step closer to victory.
So, there is a bit of a bottle neck of matches taking place this evening.
For one, Jiří Lehečka, who has just won the men’s singles semifinal, will have a couple of hours off before he plays in the men’s doubles semifinal with Jakub Menšík on Court 1.
Their opponents in that match will be Nicolas Jarry and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, the latter of whom will be playing in the other men’s semifinal tonight, which starts no earlier than 8:00pm.
That means he won’t be on court until close to 10:00pm.
The reason that doubles will be on Court 1 is because the women’s doubles final is tonight, which is going to feature Mirra Andreeva.
Andreeva, of course, is in action against Aryna Sabalenka in about 45 minutes.
Confused?
Good.
The first men’s finalist, Jiří Lehečka has been speaking after his win over Grigor Dimitrov.
“This is never the way how you want to finish a match,” Lehečka said.
“Obviously you just want to win, but not like that.
“Hopefully Grigor is fine. Hopefully he’ll be ready for Melbourne.
“I don’t know if it’s something serious or not. I just felt in the last two points he made, he couldn’t move.”
He said that he was very impressed with the level he played.
“The first set and the first half of the second was a good level. I think that we both played good tennis,” he said.
“In the first set I was a bit more solid in the game where I broke his serve, he made two mistakes at the net.
“Overall it was good tennis from my side. I was focusing on keeping the aggressive game style, going for the points, not to be scared to play aggressively. I think that it worked well.”
That didn’t take long!
Coco Gauff has burst from the blocks in her singles match against Karolína Muchová.
The 2023 US Open champion was all over Muchová, winning the first set 6-1.
She almost managed a ‘bagel’, having earned set points when her opponent was serving a 0-5.
As Gauff powered through the first set, her US teammate Taylor Fritz was seen on the TV screens running through the corridors at Ken Rosewall Arena.
He may now need to rush through his warm-up ahead of his clash with Tomáš Macháč.
The second United Cup semifinal in Sydney is upon us, with the US facing Czechia.
The women’s singles is opening the semi, with Coco Gauff up against Karolína Muchová.
The semifinal winner will meet Poland in Sunday’s decider.
Disappointing news for defending champion Grigor Dimitrov, who was forced to retire from his semifinal against Jiří Lehečka.
Dimitrov made the call to withdraw from the match during the second set.
It was not long after the second seed took a medical timeout for a suspected hip injury.
Jiří Lehečka won the first set, with the second level at 4-4 when Dimitrov retired.
We wish Dimitrov the best and hope we see the fan favourite in Melbourne for the Australian Open.
Glad the sun is back out at the Brisbane International. Big ups to the volunteers here who quickly handed out towels to those of us in the stands soaked by the rain.
– Jaime
We agree Jaime!
Thanks to all the volunteers working long hours, not only at the Brisbane International but at all the tournaments being held in Australia and New Zealand at the moment.
Naomi Osaka fans rejoice!
The former world number one will contest the Auckland final, having defeated Alycia Parks in their semi, 6-4, 6-2.
Osaka, seeded seventh in Auckland, will face Clara Tauson in Sunday’s tournament decider.
Grigor Dimitrov’s Brisbane title defence is looking shaky after the second seed conceded the first set to Jiří Lehečka.
Lehečka won the first 6-4.
Games are on serve in the second, with Dimitrov leading 4-3.
Naomi Osaka is close to earning a berth in the Auckland final after winning the first set of her semi.
The two-time Australian Open winner leads Alycia Parks 6-4, 2-1, with a break up her sleeve in the second.
Spare a thought for Parks, who was on court earlier in the day for her quarterfinal.
The first men’s semifinal is underway, featuring two players who have a fair history together in the game.
Number-two seed Grigor Dimitrov is the current world number 10 and defending champion in Brisbane.
He’s looking to join luminaries such as Radek Štěpánek, Andy Roddick, Andy Murray, Roger Federer and Milos Raonic in reaching back-to-back finals.
He has already appeared in the final on three separate occasions.
Jiří Lehečka is looking for back-to-back titles in Australia following his victory at the Adelaide International last year – his maiden ATP crown.
The 23-year-old Czech has got a game that is not all that easy for Dimitrov to handle — he’s won their last two encounters for a 2-1 overall head-to-head record.
In Adelaide, Ajla Tomljanović has lost in the qualifying rounds.
Tomljanović fell to Ashlyn Krueger, with the American winning 7-5, 6-4.
We’ve just been speaking to Brisbane International finalist Polina Kudermetova following her semifinal victory a short time ago.
“I’m so happy for this big tournament and my first
final,” she said.“I’m so excited what I will do good work for this
week.”
She praised the work her coach had done with her over the last year and was looking forward to continuing to progress through the rankings.
“When I was coming to Australia, I say for my coach, ‘hopefully I will win the quallies, the first one,” she said with a broad smile.
“Then I say when I was winning the quallies, I say let’s try to win one game, I will be happy’.
“Then he all the time tell me, just play for your match, what you were doing, your work on the practice [court] and you will be win the match.”
Having already sealed a spot in the final, Poland has completed a 3-0 sweep against Kazakhstan in the opening Sydney semi.
Polish pair Maja Chwalińska and Jan Zieliński defeated Kazakhs Zhibek Kulambayeva and Alexander Shevchenko 6-4, 6-1.
The second semifinal between the US and Czechia will be contested this evening.
Congratulations to Japan’s Aoi Ito after she won the Canberra International.
Ito, who was seeded seventh in the national capital, defeated China’s Wei Sijia 6-4, 6-3 in the final.
The win hands Ito her first WTA Tour singles title.
It should see the 20-year-old enjoy a rankings bump from the career-best 126 she currently holds.
Australia’s Ajla Tomljanović is looking to come through qualifying to reach the Adelaide International main draw.
She’s on court at the moment against American Ashlyn Krueger, who won the first 7-5.
Krueger played at the Brisbane International as recently as yesterday.
The American lost her Brisbane quarterfinal to Polina Kudermetova, who has since made the tournament decider.
Another player who made the rush to get to Adelaide from Brisbane was Marie Bouzková.
Bouzková was on Pat Rafter Arena last night when she faced Aryna Sabalenka in the quarterfinals.
After going down in straight sets to the world number one, Bouzková has her back to the wall against Australia’s Gabriella Da Silva Fick in Adelaide.
Da Silva Fick won the first set 6-2.
I’ve just been out around the courts and watched Jiří Lehečka going through his paces ahead of the next match on Pat Rafter Arena, which is due to start in an hour’s time at 3:00pm AEST.
He was cracking the ball back over the net so hard it sounded like he was cracking a whip, working up a serious sweat in the process.
Does he fancy himself against defending champion Grigor Dimitrov? He probably should.
There is a trophy up for grabs in the national capital, with the Canberra International final underway.
Japan’s Aoi Ito claimed the first set against China’s Wei Sijia 6-4.
Neither Ito or Wei have won a WTA Tour singles title.
Exciting news from the Brisbane International, United Cup semifinal as rising star Coco Gauff has given the United States team a 1-0 lead over Czechia with a thrilling victory in her singles match.
Gauff, known for her powerful groundstrokes and fearless playing style, showcased her talent and determination on the court as she defeated her Czech opponent in a hard-fought battle. The win puts the US team in a strong position as they look to secure a spot in the final of the prestigious tournament.
Stay tuned for more live updates from the Brisbane International, United Cup as the teams continue to battle it out for a chance to lift the trophy. Go Team USA! #BrisbaneInternational #UnitedCup #CocoGauff
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