In the 2025 Australian Open’s third round, Coco Gauff faced Leylah Annie Fernandez in a match that, despite high expectations, concluded with a decisive victory for Gauff. The American, seeded third, showcased her dominance by defeating the 30th-seeded Canadian 6-4, 6-2, advancing to the tournament’s fourth round.
Gauff entered the match with a strong track record, having previously defeated Fernandez at the United Cup earlier in the season. This prior victory, combined with her impressive form—marked by a 16-set winning streak in 2025—positioned her as the clear favorite. Statistical models reflected this, giving Gauff an 82% chance of winning the encounter.
The match began competitively, with both players holding serve until Gauff secured a crucial break at 4-3 in the first set. From there, she maintained control, closing the set 6-4. In the second set, Gauff’s momentum continued as she quickly established a 3-0 lead. Despite a brief resurgence from Fernandez, who managed to break Gauff’s serve once, the American’s consistent play and powerful groundstrokes led her to a 6-2 set win.
Fernandez, while demonstrating resilience, struggled to counter Gauff’s aggressive baseline play and improved serve. Her own service games were under pressure, and she was unable to capitalize on the limited break opportunities presented. Gauff’s ability to dictate rallies and her strategic shot placement were instrumental in her victory.
This win marked Gauff’s third consecutive advancement to the Australian Open’s fourth round before turning 21, a feat previously achieved by Iga Swiatek. Her performance not only underscores her growth as a player but also cements her status as a formidable contender in the tournament.
Looking ahead, Gauff is set to face Belinda Bencic in the next round. With her current form and confidence, she remains a strong favorite to progress further in the competition. Her continued success in Melbourne highlights her potential to secure another Grand Slam title in the near future.