Coco Gauff continued her stellar start to the 2025 season, securing her place in the third round of the Australian Open with a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Britain’s Jodie Burrage in Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday. The win extended the 19-year-old American’s unbeaten streak to seven matches and 14 consecutive sets, reinforcing her status as one of the tournament’s top contenders.
The 2023 US Open champion and last year’s Melbourne Park semifinalist displayed her trademark resilience despite a challenging second set. Gauff initially appeared to be cruising, breaking Burrage early to take a 3-1 lead. However, a sudden flurry of double faults and a lapse in focus allowed Burrage, ranked 173rd in the world, to seize momentum. Gauff dropped four straight games and found herself down 5-3, with Burrage serving for the set.
Just as the set seemed poised to slip away, Gauff reasserted her dominance. She broke back with a steady baseline game and capitalized on Burrage’s own struggles, including two consecutive double faults in the Brit’s final two service games. Gauff closed out the match with a four-game streak, demonstrating the poise and determination that has made her one of the most exciting young stars in tennis.
While Gauff’s second-set serving woes—she committed six of her seven double faults during the set—exposed an area for improvement, her overall game remained far more consistent than Burrage’s. Gauff tallied just 11 unforced errors on groundstrokes, compared to Burrage’s 37, a key factor in the 1½-hour match.
“Every match is an opportunity to improve,” Gauff said in her post-match interview. “I’ve been working hard on my serve and forehand, and while there’s still room to grow, I’m happy to keep moving forward in this tournament.”
The victory adds to Gauff’s remarkable streak, which began with her triumph at the WTA Finals in November. That run included straight-sets wins over World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and No. 2 Iga Swiatek, showcasing Gauff’s ability to perform under pressure against the best in the world.
Up next for Gauff is a familiar opponent: No. 30 seed Leylah Fernandez. The Canadian, best known for her runner-up finish at the 2021 US Open, overcame a first-set deficit to defeat Cristina Bucsa 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in her second-round match. Gauff and Fernandez recently faced off at the United Cup team competition, where Gauff secured a win.
“I know Leylah is a fighter,” Gauff said of her next match. “She’s someone I respect a lot, and it’s going to be a tough battle. I’m excited for the challenge.”
As Gauff aims for her first Australian Open title, her ability to adapt and rise to the occasion will be crucial. With her blend of athleticism, mental toughness, and growing confidence, she remains a formidable contender in Melbourne.
