Coco Gauff powers Into Australian Open fourth round with dominant win over Leylah Fernandez

Reigning U.S. Open champion Coco Gauff showcased her championship form at Melbourne Park, dispatching 30th seed Leylah Fernandez 6-4, 6-2 to secure her spot in the Australian Open's Round of 16. The American third seed, who reached the semifinals last year, extended her perfect start to 2025 with her 16th consecutive set win.

"I think it's harder (to face Fernandez again), because she knows what to expect. She played differently than she did at the United Cup," Gauff said. "It's also harder because you're trying to change up from the last time. She's a great competitor and a great person, so I knew it would be a tough match regardless."

Despite a resilient third game where Fernandez saved three break points, the 20-year-old American's superior court craft emerged as she secured a crucial break for 4-3 when the Canadian's shot sailed long. Gauff's momentum carried through the second set, where she established a commanding 3-0 lead en route to victory at Margaret Court Arena.

The win sets up a blockbuster fourth-round clash with Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic, who advanced when former champion Naomi Osaka retired with an abdominal injury while trailing 7-6(3). This high-stakes encounter marks another significant test in Gauff's bid to capture her first Australian Open title, following her breakthrough Grand Slam victory at the 2023 U.S. Open.

The rematch with Fernandez, the 2021 U.S. Open finalist, proved more straightforward than their recent United Cup encounter, as Gauff's aggressive baseline game and tactical adjustments proved too much for her Canadian opponent to handle.

SportsLigue