World number three Coco Gauff’s quest for her first Australian Open title ended on Tuesday with a 7-5, 6-4 loss to Spain’s 11th seed Paula Badosa in the quarterfinals. Gauff’s nine-match winning streak to start the season was snapped in a competitive encounter on Rod Laver Arena.
Match Summary
- Badosa capitalized on Gauff’s six double-faults and 41 unforced errors to take the match in straight sets.
- After a tight first set, Badosa gained momentum and dominated the second, sealing the victory in just under two hours.
Gauff Reflects on Loss
Despite the disappointment, Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion, maintained a positive outlook.
“Even though it wasn’t my best, I gave it my all on the court, so that’s something to be proud of,” she said, emphasizing growth in her mental approach compared to earlier setbacks in her career.
The 20-year-old American acknowledged areas for improvement but noted progress in her game:
“I feel like I’m playing with solutions. Even though I lost today, I feel like I’m in an upward trajectory.”
Looking Ahead
Gauff’s early-season form remains a highlight, with her nine consecutive victories signaling a strong foundation for the year ahead. While her Melbourne campaign ended short of her goal, Gauff remains determined to refine her game and build on her promising start.
“We’ll get back to work,” she concluded, as she sets her sights on the rest of the season.
