Gauff overcomes faltering and rolls into Australian Open last 32

Coco Gauff extended her unbeaten start to the year on Wednesday but had to survive a second-set wobble in a 6-3, 7-5 win over Jodie Burrage at the Australian Open.

The American world number three, who knocked out former Melbourne champion Sofia Kenin in the first round, overcame the Briton in 1 hour 29 minutes to reach the third round.

She will meet Canada’s 30th seed Leylah Fernandez on Friday for a spot in the round of 16.

Magnificent Burrage served in the second set at 5-3 but nerves got the better of her in a maiden appearance at Rod Laver Arena and she double-faulted to allow Gauff to level.

Burrage’s second set collapse was completed when her sixth double fault gave Gauff another break to lead 6-5 and she won on the first match point.

“It was tough. She was serving really well, so I was just trying to get through it,” Gauff said.

“She really stepped up in the middle of the second set, so I just tried to be offensive when I could because if I landed something short, she hit a winner.”

Gauff suffered at her own birth, dishing out seven double faults as she was broken three times by the world number 173.

“She returned well, so that put pressure on my serve. Next time I’ll mix up the goals a bit.”

Gauff maintained control of other aspects of her game, committing just 18 unforced errors in the match and hitting 14 winners.

The 25-year-old Burrage, who is on the comeback trail after missing six months last year following wrist surgery and a knee injury, hit 21 winners, 16 from her powerful forehand.

Burrage’s first-round victory over Leolia Jeanjean of France was her first at a Grand Slam since the 2023 US Open.

Gauff lost in the semi-finals to eventual champion Aryna Sabalenka in Melbourne 12 months ago.

She has been drawn to face the Belarusian at the same time this year as she seeks a second Grand Slam title after winning the US Open in 2023.

On current performance, the 20-year-old Gauff must be rated as a major contender after finishing 2024 with a boost by winning the China Open and the season-ending WTA Tour Finals.

She took that form to Australia and won all her singles matches at the United Cup, including beating world number two Iga Swiatek in straight sets.

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