Coco Gauff Powers Into Australian Open Quarterfinals, Embracing New Peers and Tactics
MELBOURNE, 27 January 2026 – World No. 3 Coco Gauff has booked her place in the Australian Open quarterfinals, navigating a stern test from Karolina Muchova to win 6-1, 3-6, 6-3. The victory continues a dominant Melbourne Park campaign for the two-time Grand Slam champion, who is now into the last eight for the third consecutive year.
A Hard-Fought Path to the Quarters
The 21-year-old American showcased her trademark resilience to overcome the 19th-seeded Czech, improving her perfect career record against Muchova to 5-0. After a dominant first set, Gauff faced a spirited fightback but held firm in the decider to secure the match in just under two hours. The win sets up a quarterfinal clash with Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, against whom Gauff holds a 2-1 head-to-head advantage.
Gauff’s run to the final eight has been a demonstration of steady progression. She opened with straight-sets wins over Kamilla Rakhimova and Olga Danilovic before surviving a scare against compatriot Hailey Baptiste, rallying from a set down to win 3-6, 6-0, 6-3.
Gauff’s Australian Open 2026: Key Facts & Figures
| Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Current Ranking | World No. 3 (Singles), No. 62 (Doubles) |
| Age & Height | 21 years, 175 cm |
| Australian Open Best | Semi-Finalist (2024) |
| 2026 Tournament Record | 4-0 (Sets: 8-1) |
| Grand Slam Quarterfinals | 10th career appearance |
| Career Titles (Singles/Doubles) | 11 Singles, 10 Doubles |
| Career Prize Money (USD) | Approx. $30.3 million (A$46.2 million*) |
*Approximate conversion at 0.65 USD/AUD
Evolving Game and a New Generation
Gauff revealed she has been adding new dimensions to her game, notably incorporating a more frequent drop shot—a tactic inspired by watching men’s world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz. “I saw Carlos yesterday, and I was like, ‘I’m trying to drop shot like him’,” Gauff said after her second-round win. “In my first match, I won like seven drop shot points, which I don’t think I’ve ever done.”
Off the court, Gauff is relishing the influx of younger players on the WTA Tour. Having turned professional as a 15-year-old, she often found the locker room a lonely place. Now, with teenagers like Mirra Andreeva, Iva Jovic, and Victoria Mboko making deep runs, she feels a greater sense of camaraderie. “The last couple of years on tour have been some of my happiest,” Gauff admitted. “You see more friendly faces in the locker room that you can actually be with.”
Her victory over Baptiste also marked a significant milestone: her 77th Grand Slam match-win, achieved in her 100th major match. She is the youngest American woman to reach four consecutive Australian Open fourth rounds since Lindsay Davenport in the 1990s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will Coco Gauff play in the quarterfinals?
Gauff will face 12th seed Elina Svitolina of Ukraine for a place in the Australian Open semi-finals. Gauff leads their head-to-head record 2-1.
What is Coco Gauff’s best result at the Australian Open?
Gauff’s best singles result at Melbourne Park is a semi-final appearance in 2024, where she was defeated by Aryna Sabalenka.
How many Grand Slam titles has Coco Gauff won?
The American has won two Grand Slam singles titles: the 2023 US Open and the 2025 French Open.