Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka secured her place in the fourth round of the Australian Open 2025, defeating Denmark’s Clara Tauson in a thrilling third-round encounter at the Rod Laver Arena on Friday. Sabalenka triumphed 7-6(5), 6-4, battling for over two hours in her first-ever meeting with the 42nd-ranked Tauson.
The top-seeded Sabalenka had to stage a comeback after trailing 3-5 in the opening set. Speaking about her opponent’s performance, she remarked, “She put me under pressure. She played really great tennis under pressure, as well. It was great level from her. If she is going to continue working, improving herself, playing the way she played today, of course, she is going to be there [at the top level],” Sabalenka told the WTA website.
In the fourth round, Sabalenka will face the 14th seed Mirra Andreeva. The two players have met four times, with Sabalenka leading their head-to-head record 3-1. Andreeva secured her lone victory against Sabalenka at the French Open quarter-finals last year.
Meanwhile, American tennis star Coco Gauff also advanced to the fourth round with a commanding victory over Leylah Fernandez, winning 6-4, 6-2. This marks the 14th time Gauff has reached the second week of a Grand Slam event.
The 2024 season was a standout year for Gauff, as she defended her Auckland Open title, reached the semifinals of the Australian Open, and remained undefeated at the United Cup, helping Team USA clinch the title. Her current 10-match winning streak dates back to her WTA Finals Riyadh triumph at the end of 2024.
Gauff’s next challenge will be against the 2023 US Open champion and former Olympic gold medallist Belinda Bencic. Bencic advanced to the fourth round after Naomi Osaka retired from their match due to an injury.