The American reached the quarter-finals without dropping a set and she faced Paula Badosa for a spot in the last four for the second successive year.

Badosa became the first player to defeat Gauff this season by securing a 7-5, 6-4 win to move into the first Grand Slam semi-final of her career.

How did Caroline Wozniacki assess Coco Gauff’s Australian Open exit?

Coco Gauff delivered an untidy performance against Badosa as she succumbed to her first defeat of the season.

The World number three committed multiple errors on her forehand and served six double faults, two areas of her game that continue to be inconsistent.

In total, Gauff struck 41 unforced errors during the straight set contest which Badosa won in one hour and 43 minutes.

During an appearance on the Rennae Stubbs podcast, Caroline Wozniacki explains what she thinks Gauff did wrong, which contributed to the shock defeat.

“I think she didn’t play her best tennis. She got a bit too static with her legs and made too many unforced errors,” she said. “But you have to give credit to Paula. She really went for her shots.

“At 5-5 in the first set she just started teeing off and her miles per hour on the forehand and backhand side went up drastically.

“Obviously Coco didn’t play her best. Too many errors. The first serve wasn’t working but at the same time Paula Badosa was really putting her under a lot of pressure.”

Caroline Wozniacki explains why she did not play at the Australian Open

Wozniacki has not played since she was defeated by Beatriz Haddad Maia at the US Open in September 2024.

The 34-year-old would have loved the opportunity to compete at Melbourne Park once again, but following some physical struggles and difficult offseason, Wozniacki decided not to play.

“My body was not feeling great. When I started pre-season training I was struggling with my body a little bit,” the former World number one told Eurosport.

“I have rheumatoid arthritis so it’s been an ongoing battle but I am hoping with a little break I will be back again soon.”

Following her fitness update, Wozniacki was asked if she would return this season, she replied: “I hope so,” indicating the uncertainty surrounding her future in the sport.

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