Gauff, unbeaten in 2025, into Aussie third round

Key Takeaways:

• Gauff extends her unbeaten streak to seven matches and 14 sets in 2025.
• Defeats Jodie Burrage 6-3, 7-5 to reach the Australian Open third round.
• Overcomes second-set challenges, including six double-faults.
• Winning streak includes victories over top-ranked players at the WTA Finals.
• Set to face Leylah Fernandez in the next round.

Gauff Advances Amid Unbeaten Run

Coco Gauff continued her remarkable start to 2025 by moving into the third round of the Australian Open with a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Britain’s Jodie Burrage on Wednesday. Playing in Rod Laver Arena, the 2023 U.S. Open champion showcased resilience and determination to extend her unbeaten streak to seven matches and 14 sets this year.

First Set Control

Gauff, seeded third in the tournament, displayed dominance in the first set against the 173rd-ranked Burrage. With powerful baseline play and strategic serving, she secured the set 6-3, setting the tone for the match.

Second-Set Challenges

The momentum shifted in the second set as Gauff faced a rough patch, struggling with double-faults and a resurgent Burrage. From a break up at 3-1, Gauff found herself trailing 5-3 after dropping four consecutive games. “She was serving really well, so I was just trying to manage that, honestly,” Gauff remarked. “She really stepped her level up in the middle of the second set, so I was just trying to be offensive when I could.”

Gauff hit six of her seven double-faults in the second set, which contributed to her difficulties. “She was returning well, so it put pressure on me on my serve,” Gauff explained. “If I landed anything short, she was landing a winner.”

Regaining Control

Despite the setback, Gauff demonstrated her ability to regroup under pressure. When Burrage served for the set at 5-4, Gauff raised her level, capitalizing on her opponent’s mistakes. Burrage’s final two service games ended with double-faults, allowing Gauff to reel off four straight games and close out the match.

Statistically, Gauff was steadier from the baseline, finishing the 1½-hour match with 11 groundstroke unforced errors compared to Burrage’s 37.

Extending the Winning Streak

Gauff’s victory over Burrage adds to her impressive run, which includes four consecutive wins at the WTA Finals in November. Notably, she secured straight-set victories over world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and No. 2 Iga Swiatek during that tournament. Including those performances, Gauff’s winning streak now stands at 11 matches.

Upcoming Clash with Fernandez

Looking ahead, Gauff is set to face No. 30 Leylah Fernandez in the next round. The two last met at the United Cup team competition, where Gauff emerged victorious. Fernandez advanced after a comeback win over Cristina Bucsa, triumphing 3-6, 6-4, 6-4. The matchup between Gauff and Fernandez, both rising stars and former U.S. Open finalists, promises to be a highlight of the tournament.

Continuing the Journey

As Gauff progresses deeper into the Australian Open, she remains focused on refining her game. Her serve and forehand are areas of particular attention, as she aims to build on the success that saw her reach the semifinals at Melbourne Park a year ago. With momentum on her side and a growing winning streak, Gauff stands as a formidable contender in this year’s competition.