Coco Gauff Dominates Leylah Fernandez, Sets Sights on Belinda Bencic

Coco Gauff’s impressive run at the Australian Open continued as she powered past Leylah Fernandez with a commanding 6-4, 6-2 victory, securing her spot in the fourth round. This win marked her 16th consecutive set win in 2025, reinforcing her status as a strong contender for the title.

Gauff’s near-flawless performance showcased her growing dominance on the court. Fans at Margaret Court Arena had anticipated a tightly contested match, especially after the pair’s prior meeting at the United Cup in December. However, Gauff’s superior consistency and tactical adjustments left Fernandez trailing.

Reflecting on the match, Gauff acknowledged the challenges of facing Fernandez again. “It’s harder because she knows what to expect, and she played differently than at the United Cup,” Gauff said. Fernandez, a former U.S. Open runner-up, pushed early in the match, but Gauff capitalized on key moments to secure the win.

Next, Gauff will face Tokyo Olympic gold medallist Belinda Bencic in a highly anticipated fourth-round clash. Bencic advanced after Naomi Osaka retired due to an abdominal injury, trailing 7-6(3). With Gauff’s current form and the mounting pressure of the tournament, her showdown with Bencic promises to be another thrilling chapter in this year’s Australian Open.

The match against Bencic is scheduled to take place on January 19, 2025, at Melbourne Park’s Rod Laver Arena. Gauff’s winning streak and dominance on the court make her a strong favorite to advance to the quarterfinals. However, Bencic’s Olympic gold medal pedigree and experience on the big stage ensure that this match will be a thrilling encounter.

story: Francis Afriyie