Coco Gauff showcased her resilience and skill with a remarkable comeback victory over Belinda Bencic in the Australian Open quarterfinals, winning the match 5-7, 6-2, 6-1. This win signifies Gauff’s perfect start to 2025, marking her ninth consecutive victory this year. Such impressive beginnings have only been achieved by greats like Margaret Court, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles, and Serena Williams, placing Gauff in elite company.
In her on-court interview, Gauff expressed her surprise at hitting such a significant milestone, stating, “It’s pretty crazy to be amongst the same stat line as legends and I’m very grateful.” She also took a moment to express her feelings about the recent shutdown of TikTok in the US, drawing a heartbroken message on a camera lens and sharing her fondness for the platform, which she often used as a diversion before matches. Gauff humorously acknowledged the potential benefits of having more time for reading and personal growth as a result of the ban.
Heading into the match, Gauff had not lost a single set, yet she faced a tough challenge from Bencic, the 2020 Olympic champion returning to Grand Slam play after maternity leave. The first set was tightly contested, with Bencic managing to close it out 7-5 despite Gauff’s determined efforts.
Undeterred, Gauff shifted gears in the second set, aggressively taking control with an overhead smash and winning three consecutive games to start. She dominated the remainder of the match, allowing her only three games across the last two sets. “It’s funny because I felt like a couple of years ago I had a really bad flat line, where if I lost the first set I’d lose the match… so every time I think about that, I dig deeper,” Gauff reflected on her growth in mental toughness.
Looking ahead, Gauff will face No. 11 seed Paula Badosa on Tuesday for a chance to advance to the semifinals. In related news, two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka also secured her quarterfinal spot, decisively defeating 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva 6-1, 6-2.
This latest chapter in Gauff’s career not only highlights her remarkable talent and determination but also serves as an inspiration for young athletes. Her ability to learn from past experiences and adapt is a testament to her commitment to excel at the highest levels of the sport.