Even though she is only 18 years old, Coco Gauff is competing in her fourth Australian Open main draw this year. She has circumnavigated the globe innumerable times, endured harsh situations, and implemented challenging lessons. Even though she faced a grand slam champion on Rod Laver Arena, Emma Raducanu, who was one year older than her, as a professional tennis player has seen so much more.
Gauff defeated Raducanu 6-3, 7-6 (4) on Wednesday night to go to the third round of the Australian Open. The tension and quality of the match peaked in the dying seconds.
“The entire game was fantastic,” remarked Gauff. Both of us got off to shaky starts, but I believe the match was generally of high caliber. I believe we were both anxious.
“This matchup has been eagerly awaited since the draw was made. For the grand slam, you must win seven matches, and you must enter the tournament expecting to play against the top players. I’m glad we both handled the pressure somewhat well. Kudos to Emma. I am aware of her difficult week in Auckland.”
Coco Gauff eliminated Emma Raducanu from Australian Open
It was a match between two of the most prominent young women’s tennis players on tour, but their preparations for Rod Laver Arena were entirely different. While Gauff began the season in fine form, capturing her third WTA championship without dropping a set in Auckland, Raducanu hurt her ankle in the second round of the same tournament and spent the subsequent days racing to be fit for the Australian Open.
Early on, as they assessed one another, both players were wary of the other’s weapons. Gauff has established herself as one of the world’s top defensive players, and her outstanding movement prompted Raducanu to commit errors from the start. But just as Gauff took the opening break, Raducanu replied by putting enormous pressure on Gauff’s serve with her outstanding returns, resulting in a double fault by Gauff on break point.
The contrast between the two players was noticeable, as Raducanu’s early, clean shotmaking contrasted with Gauff’s defense and humor. Gauff’s mobility won the early fights as she repeatedly recovered extra balls and compelled Raducanu to commit errors. The opening set was decided in a lengthy deuce game on Gauff’s serve, during which Raducanu had two break point opportunities, but Gauff held on with a crisp serve or by retrieving an extra ball.
Initiative at the start of the second set
Gauff seized the initiative at the start of the second set, dominating Raducanu in lengthy rallies as she gained a 6-3, 4-2 advantage. As the match reached its conclusion, though, Gauff’s weak forehand began to produce panicked errors. Raducanu achieved improved balance in her shotmaking and reclaimed her position on set. Raducanu earned two set points on Gauff’s serve, but she was unable to control her jitters when it counted. On her second set point, Raducanu pushed Gauff back and set up the point flawlessly. Only to then hit a drop shot into the net.
As they came closer to a second set tie-break, the passion and caliber of their play increased significantly. Gauff flitted from corner to corner, continually locating a way to retrieve an extra ball and squeeze out an error. While Raducanu continued to command play from inside the baseline. This time, the defense triumphed over the offense as Gauff endured a difficult, chaotic battle in two sets.
Before their long-awaited first meeting, both players acknowledged the commonalities they share as young athletes who have received a great deal of criticism and attention so early in their careers. However, Gauff stated that she cannot relate to the strain of being a grand slam champion. She has risen to the top of the game by regularly competing over an extended period and winning many more matches. In the crucial stages of what could be the first of many encounters. Her experience shone through, and she left Rod Laver Arena with a well-earned victory.
