Coco Gauff's journey to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open 2025 has been marked by resilience and determination, culminating in a thrilling comeback victory over Belinda Bencic in their fourth-round encounter on Sunday, January 19. The match, held at the prestigious Rod Laver Arena, witnessed Gauff, who was a semifinalist in the previous year’s tournament, recover from a set down to win 5-7, 6-2, 6-1, continuing her impressive form in the season.
Bencic came out strong in the first set, breaking Gauff twice to win 7-5, and in doing so, became the first player to claim a set against the American this year. Gauff’s early struggles were evident as she found it tough to assert her usual aggressive play, especially with Bencic’s sharp shots and tactical precision. However, the setback seemed to spark something in Gauff, who turned the tide with a renewed focus in the second set. She dominated Bencic from the start of the second set, winning 6-2, and then completely overpowered her in the final set, winning 6-1 to seal the match in style.
Reflecting on the match, Gauff spoke candidly about how Bencic's high level of play had initially posed a challenge for her. "I thought in the first set she played great tennis, it was tough for me to be more on offense," Gauff admitted after the match. "Overall, I'm happy with how I played, the first set could have gone my way with a few more points, and I played more aggressively in the second set then reset to play my best in the third." This shift in mindset, along with her aggressive tactics, was key to Gauff’s triumph, highlighting her ability to adapt under pressure and turn the match around.
Her progress in the tournament has been fueled by intense preparation and hard work during the offseason, which Gauff herself acknowledges as a critical factor. "We worked very hard in the offseason, obviously there’s still a lot for me to accomplish in my career," she said. Her confidence and determination have clearly paid off, with Gauff now extending her winning streak to nine matches this season.
Beyond the technical aspects of her game, Gauff also drew attention to the mental evolution she has undergone, referencing advice her father gave her. “Maybe a couple of years ago, if I lost the first set I might lose the match,” she recalled. "I remember my dad said, 'We've got to toughen you up'. I was just trying to put myself in the position where I could leave the court and feel proud of myself.” This shift in mental approach is a key aspect of Gauff's development, helping her stay grounded and focused even when faced with adversity on the court.
Gauff’s victory has set her up for an exciting quarterfinal clash with Spain's Paula Badosa, who impressed with a dominant 6-1, 7-6 (7-2) win over Olga Danilović in her fourth-round match. Badosa’s consistency and tactical ability will pose another challenge for Gauff, but the American's recent form suggests that she is ready for what lies ahead.
Meanwhile, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova also advanced to the quarterfinals, defeating Donna Vekić 7-6 (7-0), 6-0 in a commanding display at John Cain Arena. Pavlyuchenkova’s dominant performance serves as a reminder of the high level of competition in the tournament, with all quarterfinalists vying for a spot in the semifinals.
For Gauff, the journey to her first Australian Open title continues to unfold, and her ability to battle through tough moments has been a hallmark of her campaign so far. With her confidence growing and her game hitting its peak, she will look to take the next step against Badosa in what promises to be an exciting quarterfinal match-up. If Gauff can maintain the level of play she displayed in the second and third sets against Bencic, she will be a formidable opponent for anyone standing in her way.
