Coco Gauff tipped for Australian Open glory after latest success paves way for Grand Slam win

Posted by author January 8, 2025 Tennis

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Coco Gauff has emerged as an equal favourite alongside defending champion Aryna Sabalenka to win the Australian Open, which begins on Sunday.

The 20-year-old American heads to Melbourne in scintillating form after clinching both singles and mixed doubles titles at the United Cup with Team USA.

“Clearly Sabalenka has let everybody know she’s the favorite going in, but also Coco Gauff looks to me as equal as a favorite as I’ve seen in a Grand Slam for a while,” ESPN analyst Rennae Stubbs said on Tuesday.

Gauff dominated the United Cup, winning all six of her matches without dropping a set.

Coco Gauff is the hot favourite to win the Australian Open

Reuters

Her most notable victory came against world No. 2 Iga Swiatek, whom she defeated 6-4, 6-4 in the final, marking her second consecutive win over the Polish star.

The American’s impressive run included victories over Leylah Fernandez, Donna Vekic, Zhang Shuai and Karolina Muchova.

“Her biggest issue is her second serve, and at the United Cup, her serve was really solid and good.”

The former coach highlighted Gauff’s mental strength, noting the significance of her consecutive victories over Swiatek.

Gauff’s recent success extends beyond the United Cup, having claimed the WTA Finals title in December with a victory over Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen.

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Coco Gauff led Team USA to success at the United Cup

Reuters

Tennis legend John McEnroe praised her current form: “Coco seems to be sort of getting her mojo back and playing as well as she played, or close to it, as when she won the U.S. Open.”

Former US champion Andy Roddick predicted a big year ahead for Gauff, particularly noting her off-season commitment to improving her serve.

Gauff enters the Australian Open with unwavering confidence in her abilities.

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Coco Gauff has been praised ahead of the Australian Open

Reuters

“I have the belief that I’m one of the best players in the world. When I play good tennis, I’m hard to beat,” Gauff declared after her United Cup triumph.

The path to victory in Melbourne could include another showdown with Sabalenka, whom Gauff defeated 7-6, 6-3 in their last meeting at the WTA Finals.

The tournament’s courts are reportedly faster than Sydney’s, which could favour the defending champion Sabalenka.