Key events
Draper (15) v Alcaraz (3)* (0-1): The third seed holds to 30 in his opening service game. Draper’s first point came courtesy of a rally repeatedly targeting the Spaniard’s backhand until he forced an error. Something to keep an eye on. There’s a double fault from Alcaraz, who wins 100% behind his first serves, but only lands 3/6.
Tommy Paul (12) has cruised to the opening set against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-1.
Draper and Alcaraz are out on Rod Laver Arena warning up. Draper is all in white, Alcaraz is in teal with his massive guns out, both are sporting lemon yellow kicks that I would very much enjoy wearing.
Just a reminder that Draper has spent over six hours on court more than Alcaraz this week. All three of the 15th seed’s victories have been in five sets, whereas the third seed barely broke sweat for a couple of rounds before Nuno Borges pinches a tiebreak a couple of days ago.
The top half of the women’s draw is now down to four seeded players:
Aryna Sabalenka (1) v Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (27)
Coco Gauff (3) v Paula Badosa (11)
I’ll keep that one simmering in the background, but my main focus soon will be Jack Draper (15) v Carlos Alcaraz (3). It’s a match-up Tumaini Carayol is all over.
Draper’s determination and guts have earned him a meeting with the Spaniard on one of the sport’s biggest stages. As he has shown in their previous matches, there is no doubt Draper has the weapons and athleticism to challenge Alcaraz. In 2022, a lifetime ago for both players, Alcaraz defeated Draper 7-5 in the third set indoors in Basel. After retiring from their match at Indian Wells a year later, Draper toppled Alcaraz at Queen’s last year. Draper has been the favourite in his first three matches but in Melbourne he must try to play with more freedom against the number three seed.
The only singles match on court for the time being is Tommy Paul (12) v Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on Margaret Court Arena. The American has broken the Spaniard’s opening service game to take the early ascendancy.
“Leave it all out there on the court,” is Coco Gauff’s parting message, and one she lived up to this afternoon.
Reflecting on the opening set the third seed was phlegmatic, focussing on the process and speaking to her box that they acknowledge she isn’t going to win every set or every match even if she plays well.
Coco Gauff finishes in style, winning one of the points of the match with a mesmerising all-volleyed rally at the net after showing off her incredible speed to reach a drop shot. It’s been a superb recovery since dropping the opening set, powering over the top of the tiring Bencic, who has given this tournament so much on her return from maternity leave.
Gauff will play Paula Badosa in the next round, with a mouthwatering clash against Aryna Sabalenka the likely prize.
Gauff (3) v Bencic* (5-7, 6-2, 5-1): Bencic is broken to 15. Her spirit is all but extinguished. Gauff’s endurance is telling late on in these conditions.
The 33 year old veteran is through to face Aryna Sabalenka. It’ll be her ninth major quarter final, but she’s only passed that stage once before.
Gauff (3)* v Bencic (5-7, 6-2, 4-1): Coco Gauff’s court coverage is unbelievable. Not for the first time today she is quickly onto a backhand crosscourt that would ordinarily be a clean winner, wrapping her racket around the ball and sending it back in court outside the net post, inside the umpire’s throne. Bencic can only rest her forehead on her racket and suck in the hot air, disbelieving of the athleticism on the other side of the net. The third seed holds to 30.
Gauff (3) v Bencic* (5-7, 6-2, 3-1): Both women are happy to trade forehands, unfamiliar in a tournament with a strong strategic lean to targeting the backhand wing. Each stumble in their own ways to 30-30, then Bencic swipes long to concede a break point. Jelena Dokic on commentary is concerned the Swiss is losing pace in her groundstrokes, which is not a good sign against a player with Gauff’s court coverage.
She escapes the break after Gauff fails to execute the forehand winner after a blistering backhand return, then wins the next point cheaply behind a strong first serve. An agonising net cord lands on the server’s side with a backhand down the line winner begging to be struck, and the misfortune tells a point later when Bencic this time fails to fully commit to an inside-out forehand that lands wide. Gauff is jigging on the baseline ready for the moment – and a third unforced error in a row hands the third seed the break.
That felt significant. Bencic needs a burst of energy from somewhere.
The 11th seed recovers from 2-5 down in the second seed to reach the quarter finals in straight sets. The former world No 2 will face the winner of Gauff v Bencic.
Gauff (3)* v Bencic (5-7, 6-2, 2-1): Gauff moves to 0-30 with a magnificent point. Both players trade heavy forehands before the American finds an angle acuter than Moo Deng. Bencic scampers to force an extra shot in the rally but the third seed is ready to pounce. At 40-0 Gauff serves her seventh double fault of the afternoon then seals the deal behind a second serve.
Gauff (3) v Bencic* (5-7, 6-2, 1-1): Bencic holds from 30-30. This is one is a coin toss.
Jonathan Howcroft
Thank you Angus. What a day! The quintessential Australian summer experience. Hot, dry, and amazing live sport to enjoy.
I’m going to remain focussed on Gauff v Bencic until its conclusion, then Draper v Alcaraz afterwards. I’ll drop in other news as it happens. Let’s go!
With temperatures climbing into the mid-30s in Melbourne it’s time for me to apply some ice to my typing digits and hand over to the Bjorn Borg of blogging, Jonathan “Iceman” Howcroft. Thanks for your company this morning and enjoy your afternoon!
Meanwhile, on Margaret Court Arena, Olga Danilovic has staged a remarkable recovery after losing the first set 6-1 against 11th seed Paula Badosa. The Serbian fought back and broke early to lead the second set 5-2 only for Badosa to then turn the tables on her rival again, winning back the break. Badosa is now serving for 5-5.
Over on KIA arena 27th seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova has taken the first set in a tiebreak – where she did not lose a point – against 18th seed Donna Vekic.
Coco Gauff has done it! She serves out the second set 6-2.
Meanwhile, reports are emerging of a strange and scary experiences France’s Corentin Moutet suffered before his third-round loss to American qualifier Learner Tien yesterday. Apparently the Frenchman fainted in the shower before taking the court at Kia Arena and woke up dazed in the dark. No wonder he went down in straight sets!
Corentin Moutet fainted in his shower 45 minutes before playing against Learner Tien at the Australian Open.
“I was in the shower, I woke up on the floor. I was in the dark, I couldn’t see anything. I don’t know what happened. I just know I spent 15 minutes in the dark.”
— Quentin Moynet (@QuentinMoynet) January 18, 2025
Coco Gauff is really unloading on Belinda Bencic’s second serve. It’s not working all the time but when it does it’s damaging the Swiss on the scoreboard and, one senses, psychologically.
In the first set, the 2020 Olympic champion outplayed Gauff with patience and power. But the second set has been a different story. The precocious talent and confidence of the 20-year-old American is now coming to the fore. She takes the fourth game of this second set to love to lead 4-1.
In our other women’s singles match, Paula Badosa has taken the first set 6-1 against Olga Danilovic. The winner of that match will meet this morning’s winner Aryna Sabalenka in the quarter final.
Great hustle from Coco Gauff! Bencic had her pinned in the corners but the American lunged for the last and snapped her wrists across it to deliver a superb crosscourt winner against the run of play. She ices that moment by getting her serving radar back on track, recovering from a double fault to ace the last and make it 3-0 in this second set.
Can Belinda Bencic rediscover her mojo? Or will Gauff go all the way?
Coco Gauff has dropped her first set of the tournament (and the year) and the upset is on at Rod Laver Arena as unseeded Swiss Belinda Bencic continues her surge back up the ratings after taking maternity leave with her first child. What a scalp this would be!
Gauff isn’t done yet though. She wins her first service game to lead the second set 1-0 and then attacks Bencic’s serve to win a 0-30 advantage. The Swiss rips a riposte down the line but Gauff has steel in her eyes and kryptonite in her racquet. She seizes on a Bencic error to make it 15-40 then crashes a winner to win the game.
Coco Gauff has the break and leads the second set 2-0!
Belinda Bencic has a second chance to wrap up this set on serve. Can she do it? Gauff’s return finds the tape for 15-0. Coco Gauff, sensing the peril, digs deep on the next point. But she can’t find the corners like the Swiss and after a 20+ shot rally, sends a backhand wide. 30-0. Make that 40-0! Bencic calmly rallies down the middle before Gauff catches some frame. The Swiss swoops on the space and thunders a forehand down the line.
But Gauff fights back! First with a crashing diagonal backhand and then a thunderous 137kph forehand down the line. But again Bencic stays calm, finds the corners and seizes on the space as Gauff tires. She angles the winner and takes the set 7-5!
Belinda Bencic is pressing hard against Coco Gauff. This eleventh game of the set has again gone to deuce and, with Bencic ripping a backhand return to win advantage, Gauff has to conjur her fastest serve of the match – 189kph – to win back parity. She fritters it by netting the next but quickly regains composure with an ace. Or does she? A double fault puts her back in the hole. That’s her second double fault for the set…
Oh dear, make that her third. A second straight double fault delivers Bencic the break. The Swiss will now serve for the set at 6-5.
Just when Belinda Bencic looked to have an upset brewing on Rod Laver Arena, Coco Gauff breaks back! That was wonderful stuff by the young American. The Swiss star was starting to win the grind, converting 55% of her second serves to Gauff’s 40%. But Gauff upped the ante in that game and lashed two explosive backhands from 30-all to win the game. We are 5-5 in the first set and back on serve.
In the other women’s singles match on Margaret Court Arena, Spain’s No 11 seed Paula Badosa has won her first service game against Serbia’s Olga Danilovic.
Now it’s Coco Gauff under pressure! Down 30-40 she has to scythe a backhand crosscourt to save deuce. She gets advantage with a delicate drop shot but loses it with a lazy mid-court forehand into the net. Belinda Bencic does the same to concede advantage but wins the next by pounding a return down the line. What a shot!
The two players walk the tightrope, trading winners and errors to take it to a fourth deuce and make this the longest game of the set so far. Bencic swoops on a drop shot to lash it into the corner and advances on Gauff’s reply to take advantage. She presses on the next, pinning Gauff on the baseline and forcing a looped forehand that falls long.
Bencic has the break and will serve for the set at 5-4!
Bencic hangs on again, fighting back from 0-30 to hold serve and take this first set to 4-4. The Swiss is in good form and Gauff senses she is is in a real fight here.
Coco Gauff is yet to drop a first serve in this first set of this fourth round encounter. The 2023 US Open champion – a semi-finalist at Melbourne Park last year – now leads 4-3 and is turning up the heat on Belinda Bencic who was taken to deuce in her last service game and only narrowly avoided being broken.
It’s punch for punch and still on serve in the first set of the Coco Gauff v Belinda Bencic clash on Rod Laver Arena. Gauff has had an impressive start to 2025, winning eight matches and 16 sets straight. She takes a 3-2 lead here.
The 27-year-old Bencic is no easybeat. She may be unseeded at this Australian Open but the Swiss star rose to a career-high ranking of world No 4 in February 2020 and has won eight career singles titles, including the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The fourth round clash between America’s No 3 seed Coco Gauff and unseeded Swiss veteran Belinda Bencic is under way, with Gauff serving first in 32C heat.
Gauff is yet to drop a set at this tournament and early signs are good as the 20-year-old wins the first game to love with an on-song serve doing the damage.
While Team GB fans await the Draper v Alcaraz monster match this evening, they can lick their wounds over yesterday’s 6-1, 6-0 demolition of women’s singles hope Emma Radacanu by Iga Swiatek in their third round clash. It was the heaviest defeat of the young Briton’s career but, despite the setback, she showed the class we love her for.
As we await the arrival of America’s No 3 seed Coco Gauff – who will fight it out on Rod Laver Arena with Switzerland’s unseeded veteran Belinda Bencic – let’s prime ourselves for the big men’s singles showdown tonight: Jack Draper v Carlos Alcaraz.
That round four victory over Mirra Andreeva makes it 18 wins in a row for Aryna Sabalenka at Melbourne Park. She has now reached the most women’s singles quarter finals (10) at grand slam events since 2020.
And just like that, the two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka is into the quarter finals. What a clinical destruction it was. Ultimately, the No 1 seed conceded just three games to her young opponent Mirra Andreeva, cleaning her clock inside an hour and marching into another Australian Open final eight.
If Sabalenka’s rivals in this tournament weren’t already frightened… they are now.
Aryna Sabalenka is in for the kill. After losing the opening point of the seventh game, she chastised herself, went within and unleashed an explosive return that drew gasps from this near-capacity crowd. It was a shot that hurt Andreeva beyond the scoreboard. Shaken, the Russian teenager double faulted on the next and the defending champion takes the next two points with ease.
Sabalenka will now serve for the match and a spot in the quarter final.
Three break point opportunities and four deuces later, Mirra Andreeva has failed in her first genuine chance to break Aryna Sabalenka. Again, despite the teenager returning with precision, she’s undone by the guile of her older rival, a drop shot sealing it.
Sabalenka retains the break advantage and now leads this match 6-1, 4-2.
Over on Margaret Court Arena, the Italian stallions Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori have Spanish pair Pedro Martinez and Jaume Munar on the rack after taking the first 6-3 in their third round game.
Mirra Andreeva has her first break point of the game against Aryna Sabalenka in the round of 16 women’s singles match on centre court. Can she convert?
Andreeva strikes back! Sabalenka was going for the throat in that game, pummelling returns in a bid to break the teenager a second time. Instead Andreeva stayed calm and made it five points in a row to get things back to 3-2 in the second set. That was the Russian’s best game of the match so far. Is it a turning point?
Double trouble for Mirra Andreeva. She has lost her second serving game and is unravelling on Rod Laver Arena with even foot faults creeping in.
Two unforced errors gift Aryna Sabalenka an early 30-0 lead in this fourth game of the second set but swinging big for the corners, she gets things back to 30-30. Sabalenka, serving at 72%, crashes a second serve to get to 40-30 but Andreeva hangs tough, a looping return eluding Sabalenka’s backhand.
But just when the teenager forces the longest game of the match so far, she sends two returns wide to concede the game. Sabalenka leads 6-1, 3-1.
Where to now for Mirra Andreeva? She was mauled in that first set and must change things up and start swinging for the fences if she’s to trouble Sabalenka. Showing composure, Andreeva serves out the first game – a nice start. Can she go on with it?
With utter ruthlessness Aryna Sabalenka takes the first set 6-1.
That set was a 24-minute demolition of Mirra Andreeva and the 17 year old will have to find something very special if she’s to fight her way into this match.
Oh no. Mirra Andreeva has been broken again on centre court. She’s now 5-1 down after just 20 minutes. Aryna Sabalenka has served up a potent brew of power and finesse to completely overwhelm her teenage rival so far. On the final shot of this game, a flurry of bludgeoning baseline shots softened Andreeva up before the No 1 brought the velvet hammer down with a sublime drop shot.
The 17-year-old Russian Mirra Andreeva is under early pressure after losing an early break to Aryna Sabalenka who has defied crowd distractions and even a low-flying airplane to surge to a 4-1 lead. The No 1 seed has dropped only one point so far.
No 1 seed Aryna Sabalenka and No 14 Mirra Andreeva are into it on Rod Laver Arena. Servers are dominating so far with both players winning their opening games to love and Sabalenka just taking the second to lead 2-1 in the first set.
Hello tennis fans and welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage of the 2025 Australian Open. Angus Fontaine here guiding you through the early follies and volleys before Jonathan Howcroft picks up the cudgels in the afternoon session.
We are into round four and the action is heating up. Temperatures are set to reach 30C+ in Melbourne today and the first stars into the pressure cooker of Rod Laver Arena will be the No 1 seed Aryna Sabalenka taking on 17-year-old sensation Mirra Andreeva (seeded 14). That match commences shortly.
That tussle will be followed by another women’s single showdown when America’s No 3 seed Coco Gauff’s clashes with Switzerland’s unseeded veteran Belinda Bencic.
Our death in the afternoon duel today is between Great Britain’s No 15 seed Jack Draper and Spain’s smiling assassin Carlos Alcaraz, seeded No 3 and popular favourite to take the men’s singles title this year.
The night arrives in style with No 7 seed Novak Djokovic taking on Czech Republic’s No 24 seed Jiri Lehecka. On the doubles court Australian hopes will rest with Luke Saville and Li Tu who face off with the pair of Goransson and Verbeek.
There’s doubles about to get under way on Margaret Court Arena too so buckle ‘em up and batten ‘em down, we’re about to light the fuse on day eight…
The Australian Open 2025 has been heating up as young tennis sensation Coco Gauff defeats Belinda Bencic in a thrilling match. Gauff showcased her incredible skills and determination to come out on top against the tough opponent.
In another exciting match, Aryna Sabalenka cruised through her match, showing why she is a force to be reckoned with in the tennis world. Sabalenka’s powerful game and aggressive style of play proved too much for her opponent to handle.
Currently, fans are eagerly watching the match between rising stars Jack Draper and Carlos Alcaraz. The two young players are battling it out on the court, showcasing their talent and determination to make a name for themselves in the tennis world.
Stay tuned for more updates and live coverage of the Australian Open 2025 as the tournament continues to unfold with exciting matches and unforgettable moments on the court. Let’s see who will emerge victorious and claim the coveted title at this prestigious event.
Tags:
Australian Open 2025, Gauff vs Bencic, Sabalenka victory, Draper vs Alcaraz live, tennis news, Australian Open updates, young tennis stars, Grand Slam tournament, sports highlights
#Australian #Open #Gauff #beats #Bencic #Sabalenka #cruises #Draper #Alcaraz #live #Australian #Open
Badosa – Danilovic: 19.01.2025 03:00 CEST
H2H: 1-1
Paula Badosa has won four of his last five matches. She won both of her opening matches in straight sets. Her toughest challenge was yesterday against Kostyuk. Paul defeated Kostyuk in three tight sets. Badosa was better under pressure in the deciding set and saved both breakpoints. The former world number 2 has equaled her best result at the Australian Open. She has never made it past the quarterfinals at the Grand Slam level. Last year in Melbourne, Badosa lost against Anisimova in the tournament’s third round.
Olga Danilovic has won four of his last five matches. She has been stunning this week in Melbourne. Olga has yet to lose a set in the tournament. In the tournament’s second round, Danilovic upset Samsonova in straight sets. Yesterday, in the third round, Olga also upset Pegula in straight sets. She was great under pressure, saving all six breakpoints. When she was 17, Olga was one of the biggest upcoming talents in the tennis world. With her recent result at the Australian Open, she made her top-50 debut in the rankings. Last year in Melbourne, Olga lost in the second qualifying round.
According to the bookies, Badosa is the favorite in this matchup, but we disagree. Paula never had any success at the Grand Slam level. On the other hand, Olga is playing her best tennis and has already upset two great players in the tournament. We expect Olga to keep this match tight.
That being said, Danilovic covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Olga Danilovic +3.5 games handicap @1.80 @bet365
Gauff – Bencic: 19.01.2025 03:00 CEST
H2H: 1-1
Coco Gauff has won 10 straight matches. She started this season by playing in the United Cup, winning all five matches. So far, Coco has had a favorable draw in Melbourne. She has yet to lose a set at the Australian Open this year. Gauff has not lost a match this season, winning all eight matches. In the third round of the Australian Open, Coco defeated Fernandez in straight sets. Coco lost his serve only once in the match. Last year at the Australian Open, Coco lost against Sabalenka in the semifinals in straight sets.
Belinda Bencic has won four of her last five matches. So far this season, Belinda has played two preparation tournaments. Here in Melbourne, Bencic has yet to lose a set. Belinda has won her opening matches in straight sets. Yesterday, Belinda faced Naomi Osaka in the third round of the tournament. After losing the first set 6-7 against Bencic, Osaka retired due to an abdominal injury. The former world number 4 is slowly but surely coming back. Her last appearance in Melbourne was in 2023, reaching the 1/8-Finals.
According to the bookies, Coco is the favorite in this matchup, and we agree. Belinda played well this week but is still far from her best form. We expect Gauff to continue her winning streak and win easily tomorrow.
That being said, Gauff covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Coco Gauff -5.5 games handicap @2.10 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
As the WTA Australian Open continues to heat up, fans are eagerly awaiting some of the most highly anticipated matchups of the tournament. One such matchup is between rising star Coco Gauff and seasoned player Belinda Bencic.
Gauff, at just 17 years old, has already made a name for herself as a force to be reckoned with on the court. With her powerful serve and impressive speed, she has the potential to take down even the most experienced opponents. Bencic, on the other hand, is known for her precision and consistency, making her a formidable opponent for any player.
When it comes to betting on this match, the odds are likely to be close. Both players have their strengths and weaknesses, making it a tough call for bettors. However, Gauff’s recent success and momentum may give her the edge in this matchup.
In addition to this exciting matchup, there are plenty of other great bets to consider for the Australian Open. Players like Ashleigh Barty, Naomi Osaka, and Simona Halep are all top contenders for the title, and could be great choices for a bet.
Ultimately, the Australian Open is shaping up to be an exciting and unpredictable tournament, with plenty of opportunities for bettors to cash in on some great bets. Whether you’re backing Gauff, Bencic, or another top player, there’s no shortage of exciting matchups to watch and wager on.
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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.
Tags:
Australian Open, fourth round, preview, Coco Gauff, Belinda Bencic, Sabalenka, Andreeva, Alcaraz, Draper, tennis, match, predictions, players, match-ups, tournament, Grand Slam, Melbourne, Australia.
#Australian #Open #Fourth #Previews #Coco #Gauff #Belinda #Bencic #Sabalenka #Andreeva #Alcaraz #Draper
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 #watch #Coco #Gauff #Belinda #Bencic #match #today
Some of the biggest names in tennis have plowed their way to the fourth round at the Australian Open.
Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Coco Gauff, and Aryna Sabalenka all advanced, while two-time champion Naomi Osaka retired due to a strained abdominal muscle.
Djokovic, going for his 11th Australian Open title and 25th Grand Slam championship, had little trouble with Tomas Machac, taking the match 6-1, 6-4, 6-4. In the dominant performance, the 37-year-old Djokovic had his serve broken once. He will next take on No. 24 seed Jiri Lehecka on Sunday.
“I think I played really well,” Djokovic said after the match. “I’m very happy with my game. There’s always something to improve but this is definitely the best match I’ve played in the tournament so far.”
Other results include Alcaraz needing four sets to beat Nuno Borges 6-2, 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-2, and No. 12 seed Tommy Paul rolling past Robert Carballes Baena 7-6 (0), 6-2, 6-0.
The top seed in the women’s draw, Sabalenka, the two-time defending champion, dispatched Clara Tauson 7-6 (5), 6-4, and now has won 17 matches in a row at the Australian Open.
The third-seeded Gauff is into the fourth round after her 6-4, 6-2 win over Leylah Fernandez. Gauff hasn’t lost a set or match this year.
“Tennis feels so high stakes, but it’s really not. I’m so lucky to do what I do — also get paid doing it,” Gauff said.
“My biggest thing I learned last year is just not to take anything for granted,” Gauff said, “and just realized this time is going to go by so fast. … I’m just trying to enjoy it while I’m here.”
Two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka was forced to retire after dropping the first set in her third-round match against Belinda Bencic.
“I kind of have a history of it, since I was a teenager. At least once a year, I’d get an ab strain. For me, I want to say it’s more the way my serve is — it’s quite explosive,” Osaka said. “Unfortunately, it carried on over to the beginning of this season.”
Osaka was also forced to retire from the final of the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, two weeks ago against Clara Tauson because of issues with her abdominal.
Bencic now faces Coco Gauff for a spot in the quarterfinals on Sunday.
With fellow Serb Novak Djokovic cheering her on, Olga Danilovic blitzed past American Jessica Pegula, the No. 7 seed, 7-6 (3), 6-1.
Pegula had no answers for the 23-year-old Danilovic, who is ranked 55th in the world, using a powerful forehand and dominating on her first serve
“She’s top of the world, she’s such a great player,” Danilovic said after the upset. “I knew I had to have my A-A-A plus-plus-plus game to beat her. In the back of my mind, I really believed in myself.”
Danilovic moves on to face 11th seed Paula Badosa, with both women looking to get to the Australian Open quarterfinals for the first time.
In a thrilling day of tennis at the Australian Open, rising star Coco Gauff emerged victorious while Jessica Pegula was upset in a surprising turn of events.
Gauff, the 17-year-old phenom, continued her impressive run at the tournament with a dominant performance, defeating her opponent in straight sets to advance to the next round. With her powerful groundstrokes and unwavering determination, Gauff has proven once again that she is a force to be reckoned with on the court.
On the other hand, Pegula, who had been playing some of the best tennis of her career, suffered a shocking defeat at the hands of her opponent. Despite her strong start to the tournament, Pegula was unable to maintain her momentum and ultimately fell short in a hard-fought match.
As the Australian Open continues, fans can expect more exciting matches and unexpected outcomes as the world’s best players battle it out for a chance at the title. Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from the tournament as the action unfolds.
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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
#Coco #Gauff #escapes #upset #bid #Australian #Open
Key events
A third straight miss on the forehand from Gauff – it’s still her most fallible shot – helps Fernandez gets herself out of a hole from set point down at 30-40. Gauff will still get the chance to serve for the set though, and swiftly moves 30-0 ahead. Make that 40-0. She’s won 14 of 16 points when her first serve has landed. But it’s a second serve that Fernandez can’t get back into play on the second set point and Gauff holds to 15 to take the set!
Gauff holds in the blink of an eye for 5-3. Djokovic takes a little longer to serve out the set, dropping 30-40 down, before a strong serve and an overhead give him set point. Machac whacks his return into the net and that’s that. Djokovic wins the first set 6-1 in just 35 minutes. Murray applauds and gives a half-hearted fist pump. I guess the first set was too straightforward to warrant a more committed one.
Machac just can’t get going on serve. This time he slumps 0-40 down. Djokovic prevails in the next point too and he’ll serve for the set at 5-1. Meanwhile Gauff emerges victorious after an absorbing 26-shot rally to get back to deuce on Fernandez’s serve … and from there Gauff breaks! The third seed leads 4-3.
Two more break points for Djokovic at 15-40, to add to the ones he had in Machac’s opening service game. This time he takes the second, as Machac makes the error on the backhand side. It’s 3-1 Djokovic, and he’s looking much sharper than he did in his opening two matches. Murray looks on approvingly, before Djokovic backs up the break for 4-1.
On John Cain, the young phenomenon Fils is serving for the opening set at 5-3 against Humbert. It doesn’t go quite to plan, as the 20-year-old slides 30-40 down, and then Humbert, his fellow Frenchman, picks him off with a backhand pass down the line! It’s 5-4 Fils.
On Margaret Court Arena, in the match between the 2023 US Open champion and the 2021 runner-up, Gauff flumps a forehand into the net and it’s deuce, with Fernandez leading 2-1 on serve. Gauff quickly makes up for her error by taking the next two points to hold. It’s 2-2.
From 0-40 down, Machac holds his opening service game. The camera pans to Andy Murray in the coaching box – or more accurately the new courtside coaching pod – for the first of probably 9,337 times today. He’s sitting there quite impassively as the moment. No chattering or chuntering, like in his playing days. Maybe that’ll come later.
Djokovic will need to step it up a level today. The 10-times champion has not been convincing so far, dropping a set in both the first and second rounds against opponents ranked outside the world’s top 100. And it takes him five minutes to secure the opening game on serve here. Machac has beaten Djokovic before, by the way, in the semi-finals of the Geneva Open last year, but that was best of three sets. The 24-year-old Czech has the ability, he boasts so much power, but can he keep it together over the course of five potential sets?
ROD LAVER ARENA (8am GMT/7pm AEDT)
7-Novak Djokovic (Serbia) v 26-Tomas Machac (Czech Republic)
Olga Danilovic (Serbia) v 7-Jessica Pegula (US)
MARGARET COURT ARENA (8am GMT/7pm AEDT)
3-Coco Gauff (U.S.) v 30-Leylah Fernandez (Canada)
15-Jack Draper (Britain) v Aleksandar Vukic (Australia)
JOHN CAIN ARENA
14-Ugo Humbert (France) 2-2 20-Arthur Fils (France)
KIA ARENA
24-Jiri Lehecka (Czech Republic) v Benjamin Bonzi (France)
Davidovich Fokina saved two match points in the third-set tie-break before pulling off his Houdini act, having also come from two sets to love down in the second round. He’s so exhausted he doesn’t even seem to remember those match points when he’s interviewed on court. “I’m a little bit tired. First two sets I wasn’t playing good. Very happy to come back,” he says. Next up for him in the last 16 is the American 12th seed Tommy Paul.
Thanks Joey and g’day/good afternoon/good evening everyone, depending on your whereabouts. Right, let’s get this evening session started. Novak Djokovic is about to get going against Tomas Machac on Rod Laver, Coco Gauff will be under way against Leylah Fernandez very shortly, Arthur Fils has taken the opening game on serve in his all-French affair with Ugo Humbert and Arthur Fils …. but let’s go straight to the Kia Arena, where Alejandro Davidovich Fokina has three match points against Jakub Mensik. And just the one MP will do as the Spaniard ends the young Czech’s run with an ace!
Maybe not, as Menšík breaks back to make sure that Davidovich Fokina knows this won’t all go his way.
Or maybe yes as the Spaniard promptly breaks back and will now have the chance to serve this third round epic out! And boy did he love that one, roaring a huge “come on!” to the crowd.
That, however, is where I’ll leave you. It’s been a pleasure having you for company over these past few hours and I’ll now leave you in the very capable hands of Katy Murrells to wrap this one up and take you through the evening play.
Menšík gets on the board at last, holding serve for the first time in three attempts. Nonetheless, the look on his face suggests he’s coming to terms with a game that he once had match point on slipping through his fingers.
The crowd is now well and truly behind Davidovich Fokina as he looks to complete the comeback; the commentators noting that a fan in a Manchester United shirt cheering him on hasn’t had much to be happy about as of late. Bantz.
WOW. By the barest of margins, Davidovich Fokina fires a huge forearm winner past Menšík and keeps it just inside the baseline to break the Czech once more.
He’s now up three games to love in this fifth and decisive set and it’s difficult to see him giving the lead up from here.
Tumaini Carayol was out at Margaret Court Arena to watch Alexander Zverev make light work of Jacob Fearnley on his way to the fourth round.
It took just 20 minutes into one of the most significant occasions of Jacob Fearnley’s uncommonly short professional tennis career for the 23-year-old to receive evidence of the soaring level required to consistently trouble the very best tennis players in the world.
All the momentum is with Davidovich Fokina as he breaks Menšík in the first game of the fifth set and, for the first time in this match, gets his nose ahead.
A powerful serve right into his breadbasket gives Menšík little scope to do anything other than scoop the ball out and give up two set points, only one of which Davidovich Fokina needs as he ties this game up and forces a fifth set.
It’s the second straight match that the Spaniard has dropped the opening two sets only to force his way back, having beaten Canadian 29th need Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-7 (6-9) 6-7 (7-5) 6-4 6-1 6-3 in the second round.
For Menšík, it’s pretty much been downhill ever since I wrote he was about to wrap this game up. Sorry mate.
Menšík drops just a single point as he holds serve but must now break Davidovich Fokina if he’s to avoid – having had the chance to serve for the match in the third — being taken to a fifth and deciding set.
Belinda Bencic signs the camera after Naomi Osaka retired from their match at the Australian Open:
“Get well soon mama” pic.twitter.com/ugD0WZ3jWC
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 17, 2025
What a shot from Davidovich Fokina, an incredible backhand winner across the court capping off a fightback that saw him give up two break points to Menšík, only to hold serve.
Some strong baseline play from the Spaniard then sees him break Menšík to seize the initiative in this fourth set.
In some of the doubles action currently under way, Marta Kostyuk and Elena-Gabriela Ruse are up a set over Australian pair Maddison Inglis and Destanee Aiava on the 1573 Arena.
Women’s 15th seeds Beatriz Haddad Maia and Laura Siegemund also hold a one set lead over Quinn Gleason and Suzan Lamens out on court six but tenth seeds Sofia Kenin and Monica Niculescu are down a set against Renata Zarazua and Miyu Kato.
Osaka can’t continue, what appears to be the abdominal injury she picked up in Auckland rearing its ugly head midway through that set and ending her Australian Open campaign. It’s the first time she’s retired during a match at a major but it’s the third straight tournament, following on from Beijing and Auckland, where the former world number one has been forced to bow out mid-match.
The two-time champion in Melbourne had looked as if she was cruising midway through the set off the back of a dominant first serve but that increasingly faded as play continued and she looked less and less comfortable. Once Bencic rallied back and took that opening set the call was made to retire.
The Tokyo Olympics gold medallist will now move into a fourth round meeting with either Coco Gauff or Leylah Fernandez, which will start on Margaret Court Arena in about 45 minutes.
Bencic brings up three set points against Osaka but needs only one, taking out the first set 7-6 (7-3).
Heading into this tiebreak, it certainly looks like the abdominal strain that forced Osaka to retire in the final of a WTA tournament in Auckland earlier this month has reared its head once more.
If she can battle through it and find a way to down Bencic is one question but so, too, is if she’ll be able to recover in time for a fourth round meeting with Coco Gauff or Leylah Fernandez if she does.
Osaka is back on her feet and awaiting Bencic’s serve, with the Swiss no doubt having taken note of exactly what the issue is and planning how she can take advantage.
A drop shot attempt from Osaka goes straight into the net to give Bencic a 40 to love lead and she takes things out with a forehand.
We will have a fourth set on Kia Arena! That’s not a prediction, it’s a spoiler, because Davidovich Fokina has taken out the third set tie break against Menšík, who now leads 6-3 6-4 6-7 (9-7) heading into the fourth.
Osaka’s serve is increasingly abandoning her as this first set goes on, with the host broadcaster noting that she’s not able to get her wrist over the ball as she had been.
She’s able to hold serve to take a 6-5 lead in this opening set but the trainer has been called for.
A big break from Bencic and this first set will continue! It wasn’t looking good as she went down 30-0 to start things off but she rallied back to win the next four points and gets another chance to serve.
And the Olympic gold medallist has little challenge in subsequently locking this up at 5-5, not dropping a single point as she holds serve.
I’ve been to a few of them myself here in Melbourne, so if Alcaraz is looking for any parlour recommendations come the end of this tournament he’s free to hit me up.
Another hold from Bencic to keep herself in this opening set. But she’ll have to break Osaka and her strong first save to keep herself in it.
Welcome to our live coverage of the Australian Open 2025! The stage is set for some exciting matches today, including Novak Djokovic taking on Jiri Machac in the men’s singles and Coco Gauff facing Leylah Fernandez in the women’s singles.
Novak Djokovic, the reigning champion and world number one, is looking to continue his dominance as he faces off against the up-and-coming Czech player, Jiri Machac. Djokovic has been in top form this tournament, but Machac is not to be underestimated as he has been causing upsets left and right. Will Djokovic be able to maintain his composure and advance to the next round, or will Machac pull off another surprise victory?
In the women’s singles, we have a highly anticipated match between Coco Gauff and Leylah Fernandez. Gauff, known for her powerful groundstrokes and impressive speed, will be looking to outwit Fernandez, who has been showcasing her talent and determination throughout the tournament. Both players are young and hungry for success, so this match promises to be a thrilling battle of the next generation of tennis stars.
In a shocking turn of events, former world number one Naomi Osaka has announced her retirement from professional tennis. Osaka, who has been struggling with injuries and personal issues, has decided to step away from the sport to focus on her well-being. Her absence will surely be felt in the tennis world, but we wish her all the best in her future endeavors.
Stay tuned as we bring you all the latest updates and results from the Australian Open 2025. Don’t miss out on the action as the world’s best players compete for glory on the court!
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Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka can set up a blockbuster clash as the Australian Open enters the third round on Friday while Novak Djokovic steps up his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title.
Women’s number one and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka will also be in action with a potential clash against highly rated 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva the prize awaiting in the fourth round.
Carlos Alcaraz, who has raced into the last 32 for the loss of just 12 games, and second seed Alexander Zverev will also look to book their places in the second week of the opening Grand Slam of the year.
American third seed Gauff had to battle back from 5-3 down in the second set against Britain’s Jodie Burrage in round two after dropping her serve three times.
She knows she will need to improve against former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez, even though she recently beat the Canadian at the United Cup.
“Obviously I did well at the United Cup. It’s a different match, different story. Anything can happen,” said Gauff, who plays in the night session on Margaret Court Arena.
Awaiting the victor will be either two-time Melbourne champion Osaka or Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic, the Tokyo Olympics gold medallist.
Following two tough three-set wins in Melbourne, Osaka is in the third round of a Slam for the first time since the birth of her daughter in 2023.
Former world number four Bencic only returned to the circuit in December after her own maternity leave, but has not dropped a set so far.
“She’s an incredibly tough player. She fights a lot,” said Osaka.
“I think it’s really cool that she also had a baby and she came back as well.”
Sabalenka will open proceedings on Rod Laver Arena at 11:30am against Denmark’s Clara Tauson with the prize a potential last-16 date with 14th seed Andreeva.
The Russian Andreeva announced her burgeoning talent by beating Sabalenka in the quarter-finals at Roland Garros last year.
She faces Poland’s 23rd seed Magdalena Frech.
Seventh seed Jessica Pegula, the US Open finalist last year, will take on Serbia’s Olga Danilovic to round off the action on centre court.
In the men’s draw Djokovic and Alcaraz will look to remain on track for a quarter-final clash.
Ten-time Melbourne champion Djokovic first must dispose of Czech 26th seed Tomas Machac in a prime-time 7:00 pm centre court match to reach the last 16, while Alcaraz faces Portugal’s unseeded Nuno Borges earlier in the day.
Djokovic set another record in the second round when he played his 430th Slam contest to claim sole ownership of most singles matches played, men or women, in the Open Era ahead of Roger Federer and Serena Williams .
No one else has played 400 or more.
Zverev came into Melbourne at a career-high number two ranking and has barely been troubled in two straight-sets victories.
He faces up-and-coming Briton Jacob Fearnley, who saw off an ailing Nick Kyrgios in the first round.
Jakub Mensik, the Czech teenager who shocked sixth seed Casper Ruud in round two, will make his bid to reach the second week against Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
dh/pst
This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
The Australian Open is heating up as young sensation Coco Gauff and former champion Naomi Osaka are on a collision course in the third round. Gauff, who burst onto the scene as a 15-year-old at Wimbledon in 2019, has continued to impress with her fearless play and maturity on the court. Meanwhile, Osaka, a two-time Grand Slam champion, is looking to add another title to her impressive resume.
Both players have cruised through their first two matches in Melbourne, setting up what is sure to be a highly anticipated showdown in the third round. Gauff’s speed and powerful groundstrokes will be put to the test against Osaka’s precise ball-striking and big serve.
Tennis fans around the world will be eagerly watching as these two promising young stars battle it out for a spot in the fourth round. Will Gauff continue her meteoric rise in the tennis world, or will Osaka show why she is considered one of the best players in the game? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – this match is not to be missed.
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Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka can set up a blockbuster clash as the Australian Open enters the third round on Friday while Novak Djokovic steps up his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title.
Women’s number one and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka will also be in action with a potential clash against highly rated 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva the prize awaiting in the fourth round.
Carlos Alcaraz, who has raced into the last 32 for the loss of just 12 games, and second seed Alexander Zverev will also look to book their places in the second week of the opening Grand Slam of the year.
American third seed Gauff had to battle back from 5-3 down in the second set against Britain’s Jodie Burrage in round two after dropping her serve three times.
She knows she will need to improve against former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez, even though she recently beat the Canadian at the United Cup.
“Obviously I did well at the United Cup. It’s a different match, different story. Anything can happen,” said Gauff, who plays in the night session on Margaret Court Arena.
Awaiting the victor will be either two-time Melbourne champion Osaka or Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic, the Tokyo Olympics gold medallist.
Following two tough three-set wins in Melbourne, Osaka is in the third round of a Slam for the first time since the birth of her daughter in 2023.
Former world number four Bencic only returned to the circuit in December after her own maternity leave, but has not dropped a set so far.
“She’s an incredibly tough player. She fights a lot,” said Osaka.
“I think it’s really cool that she also had a baby and she came back as well.”
Sabalenka will open proceedings on Rod Laver Arena at 11:30am (0030 GMT) against Denmark’s Clara Tauson with the prize a potential last-16 date with 14th seed Andreeva.
The Russian Andreeva announced her burgeoning talent by beating Sabalenka in the quarter-finals at Roland Garros last year.
She faces Poland’s 23rd seed Magdalena Frech.
Seventh seed Jessica Pegula, the US Open finalist last year, will take on Serbia’s Olga Danilovic to round off the action on centre court.
– Djokovic eyes Alcaraz –
In the men’s draw Djokovic and Alcaraz will look to remain on track for a quarter-final clash.
Ten-time Melbourne champion Djokovic first must dispose of Czech 26th seed Tomas Machac in a prime-time 7:00 pm centre court match to reach the last 16, while Alcaraz faces Portugal’s unseeded Nuno Borges earlier in the day.
Djokovic set another record in the second round when he played his 430th Slam contest to claim sole ownership of most singles matches played, men or women, in the Open Era ahead of Roger Federer (429) and Serena Williams (423).
No one else has played 400 or more.
Zverev came into Melbourne at a career-high number two ranking and has barely been troubled in two straight-sets victories.
He faces up-and-coming Briton Jacob Fearnley, who saw off an ailing Nick Kyrgios in the first round.
Jakub Mensik, the Czech teenager who shocked sixth seed Casper Ruud in round two, will make his bid to reach the second week against Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
dh/pst
The Australian Open is heating up as two of the biggest names in women’s tennis, Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka, are on a collision course in the third round.
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 defeated some top players in the tournament and is looking to continue her impressive run.
On the other hand, Osaka, the former world number one and three-time Grand Slam champion, is always a force to be reckoned with on the court. She has been in great form recently and will be a tough opponent for anyone she faces.
If both players continue to advance in the tournament, they could potentially meet in a highly anticipated match-up that is sure to draw a lot of attention from tennis fans around the world.
Stay tuned as the Australian Open continues to unfold and we see if Gauff and Osaka will indeed clash in the later rounds of the tournament. It’s sure to be a match you won’t want to miss!
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#Gauff #Osaka #collision #Australian #Open #hits #3rd
