Coco Gauff Advances to Quarterfinals

In a thrilling match, Coco Gauff showcased her extraordinary talent and resilience by defeating Belinda Bencic with a score of 5-7, 6-2, 6-1, securing her place in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. This victory not only highlights Gauff's unyielding form as she embarks on a stellar start to 2025, but it also marks her ninth straight win of the year—an impressive feat achieved only by tennis legends like Margaret Court, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles, and Serena Williams.

"I can't believe I'm included in such a prestigious statistic," the No. 3 seed expressed during her on-court interview. "I'm truly grateful to be in the company of these legends."

Impact of TikTok Shutdown

However, post-match celebrations were overshadowed by the impending shutdown of the popular social media platform TikTok in the US. Gauff took a moment to express her sadness about the ban, drawing a broken heart on a camera lens and writing, "RIP TikTok." “I hope it can come back,” she shared with reporters. “It’s heartbreaking. TikTok is like an escape for me, a space where I can unwind before my matches."

In a light-hearted twist, she added, “I guess I’ll be reading more books now, maybe I’ll become a more productive person. Could be a blessing in disguise."

Match Highlights

Demonstrating her dominant form this year, Gauff had not dropped a single set prior to facing Bencic. Despite the challenge posed by Bencic—an Olympic champion playing her first Grand Slam since returning from maternity leave—the young American quickly found her rhythm after a hard-fought opening set.

The first set was a competitive affair, with Bencic breaking Gauff at a critical moment to take it 7-5. However, Gauff quickly regrouped, coming out strong in the second set, showcasing her impressive athleticism and aggressive game style, grabbing an early lead and not looking back. With a relentless series of overhead smashes and precise shots, she made quick work of the latter stages of the match, winning five games in a row.

Gauff's Growth as a Player

Reflecting on her growth as a player, Gauff noted, "A couple of years ago, if I lost the first set, I would lose the match. My dad always said, ‘You have to find that fight in you,’ and every time I remember that, it drives me to dig deeper."

Looking Ahead

Next up for the determined Gauff is a matchup against No. 11 seed Paula Badosa on Tuesday, where she will vie for a coveted spot in the semifinals. Meanwhile, the two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka easily progressed past 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva with a commanding score of 6-1, 6-2, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the tournament.

Stay tuned for what promises to be an electrifying quarterfinal round as the competition heats up!