Gauff Powers Into Australian Open Third Round, Sets Sights on Baptiste

MELBOURNE, 23 January 2026 – American star Coco Gauff has breezed into the third round of the Australian Open, dispatching her first two opponents without dropping a set. The third seed now faces a poignant showdown with childhood friend and compatriot Hailey Baptiste for a place in the tournament’s second week.

Commanding Start in Melbourne

The World No. 3 began her 2026 campaign on Rod Laver Arena with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova. Despite a shaky start that included three double faults in her opening service game, Gauff regained composure to control the match. She followed that with a dominant 6-2, 6-2 win over Serbia’s Olga Danilovic on Margaret Court Arena, a performance she described as “near perfect.” The victories mark the fourth consecutive year Gauff has reached at least the third round in Melbourne.

Key Facts: Coco Gauff

New Tools and Refined Weapons

Gauff’s early rounds have showcased tactical evolution. Notably, she has incorporated a deft drop shot into her game, a move she credits to inspiration from 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, adding she successfully used it on pressure points against her coach’s advice.

More significantly, observers have noted improvement in her previously problematic serve. After leading the tour with 431 double faults in 2025, her delivery has looked more reliable in Melbourne. Renowned coach Rick Macci noted, “Coco’s serve is bigger because she is pulling the trigger. The technical modifications have been rewired.” This follows her off-season work with biomechanics specialist Gavin MacMillan.

A Match Steeped in Meaning

The third-round clash with Baptiste carries deep personal significance for Gauff. The two Americans grew up playing junior tennis together, part of a small group of Black girls navigating the sport. “It makes me a little bit emotional,” Gauff admitted. “Growing up there weren’t really too many Black women and juniors playing… For us to be here on tour today, it really means a lot.” Gauff leads their head-to-head 1-0, winning a 2023 match in Washington.

Learning from History

Gauff’s best run in Melbourne ended in the 2024 semi-finals with a loss to Aryna Sabalenka. After that defeat, she drew on a lesson from watching her idols, Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova, cope with major losses. “When you’re in it, it feels like the end of the world,” Gauff reflected at the time. “But when you look at history, they didn’t let one match define their career.” That perspective continues to fuel her quest for a first Australian Open crown.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Coco Gauff’s next match at the Australian Open?

Coco Gauff is scheduled to play fellow American Hailey Baptiste in the third round on Friday 23 January. The match is set for Margaret Court Arena.

What is Coco Gauff’s best performance at the Australian Open?

Gauff’s best 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 21-year-old has won two major singles titles: the 2023 US Open and the 2025 French Open.