Coco Gauff staying positive despite shock Australian Open defeat to Paula Badosa

Coco Gauff, aged 20, expressed her feelings of disappointment, though not devastation, following her impressive start to the year, which came to an unexpected end in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open on Tuesday.

The world number three saw her aspirations for a first title at Melbourne Park thwarted by Spain's 11th seed, Paula Badosa, who secured victory with a score of 7-5, 6-4 on Rod Laver Arena.

Badosa ended Gauff's nine-match winning streak to commence 2025 with a commanding performance after a closely contested first set.

Reflecting on her experience in her ninth Grand Slam quarter-final, Gauff noted her growth in maturity, stating that she would not dwell excessively on the defeat as she might have in earlier stages of her career.

"I played with determination, and although it wasn't my best performance, I can take pride in giving my all on the court," remarked Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion.

"Some matches will favor me, while others will not. A few years ago, I might have felt utterly crushed, as if the world was ending.

"Now, I simply feel disappointment, recognizing that I could have improved in certain aspects."

Gauff contrasted this loss with her previous Grand Slam defeat, a three-set match against Emma Navarro in the fourth round in New York last year.

"At the US Open, I felt as though I had no solutions, which was particularly frustrating," Gauff explained, acknowledging her six double-faults and 41 unforced errors on Tuesday.

"Today, I felt equipped with solutions. I understand what I need to improve. Despite the loss, I believe I am on an upward path.

"While it is disheartening to lose after playing such excellent tennis for much of this year, it is part of the sport.

"We will return to training."

SportsLigue