Tennis – Australian Open 2025 – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 15, 2025 Coco Gauff of the U.S. shakes hands with Britain’s Jodie Burrage after winning their second round match. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
MELBOURNE–No party animal, Australian Open contender Coco Gauff said she might celebrate her coming 21st birthday by tackling an escape room rather than putting on a big bash with friends back in Miami.
Having got out of a jam in the second round at Melbourne Park on Wednesday, the young American is clearly comfortable with tight spaces.
Article continues after this advertisementThird seed Gauff made heavy weather of British battler Jodie Burrage before claiming a 6-3 7-5 win to book another match-up with Canadian Leylah Fernandez.
FEATURED STORIES SPORTS PBA: RHJ's show of frustration not a concern for Chot Reyes, TNT SPORTS Troy Rosario joins Gilas pool ahead of Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers SPORTS PVL: Risa Sato joins Chery Tiggo CrossoversAustralian Open 2025: Schedule, how to watch on TV, betting odds
Leading 3-1 in the second set and seemingly cruising to victory, Gauff was dragged into a street fight by the plucky Londoner who broke her twice and had a chance to serve for the set at 5-3.
Article continues after this advertisementRod Laver Arena became Gauff’s escape room for the night as Burrage blew her moment, double-faulting to drop serve.
Article continues after this advertisementGauff won the next three games in succession to wrap up proceedings and reflect on her early getaway.
Article continues after this advertisement“I think it was just one of those things, just step up my level against her,” she told reporters.
READ: Australian Open 2025: Coco Gauff begins bid with straight-sets win
Article continues after this advertisement“I knew that there was going to be a moment maybe where she wasn’t going to play as well. It’s just when that moment would come.
“I didn’t know if it was going to be at 5-3 or in the third set.”
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey expressed his enthusiasm and stated: "This bilateral series against Germany will be a remarkable showcase of world-class hockey. Both India and Germany have a rich history in the sport, and this series will give fans an opportunity to witness an intense competition between two of the most formidable teams in the world.
best online slot gamesIt was Gauff’s second straights sets win at the tournament after passing a first round test against 2020 champion Sofia Kenin.
LEYLAH FERNANDEZ NEXTTennis – Australian Open 2025 – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 15, 2025 Canada’s Leylah Fernandez celebrates winning her second round match against Spain’s Cristina Bucsa. REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas
Gauff was already looking ahead to playing 22-year-old left-hander Fernandez, who was beaten in the 2021 U.S. Open final by Emma Raducanu in a surprise clash of teenagers.
Gauff trained with left-handed compatriot Robin Montgomery to prepare for Fernandez and beat the Canadian 6-3 6-2 in their first tour-level match at the recent United Cup.
“We’ll see two days from now if it makes a difference or not,” she said. “It’s a different match, different story. Anything can happen.”
For Burrage, it was a tough ending to the tournament after an encouraging first-up win over French qualifier Leolia Jeanjean.
Playing with a protected ranking of 85, Burrage had shed happy tears when she beat Jeanjean in the first round, having considered quitting last year after missing half the season with wrist and ankle injuries.
But having fallen short against Gauff after going toe-to-toe with the 2023 U.S. Open champion, Burrage trudged off court with dry-eyed resignation.
She still leaves Melbourne Park pleased she decided to stick with the sport.
“I will take the highs and the lows of this sport, but I’m not done with it yet,” she said.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
“I feel like I’m only just getting started, and I’m verys5 online casino, very excited to see what this year brings.”
READ NEXT Carlos Alcaraz aiming for ‘serve bot’ status at Au... Australian Open: Zheng Qinwen blames lack of warm-up for early... EDITORS' PICK Shear line, ITCZ and amihan have minimal impact on agriculture – DA Meralco tells Senate efforts are being made to lower power rates Court orders arrest of 29 cops involved in mishandling P6.7B shabu case Manila Water taps educators to strengthen environmental stewardship Iñigo Pascual, Ivana Alawi among celebrities affected by LA wildfires Husband held in killing of Filipina in Slovenia, says DFA MOST READ Court orders arrest of 29 cops involved in mishandling P6.7B shabu case Hanging out at Starbucks will cost you as it reverses open-door policy BMI: Peso fall below 60 vs $1 still possible OVP says it has no approved budget for medical, burial assistance Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments