MATCH REPORT | 2024 Australian Open: Coco GAUFF battles through Caroline DOLEHIDE to progress to the third round

Coco Gauff (No. 4) secures a hard-fought victory against compatriot Caroline Doleheide (No. 43) with a score of 7-6(2), 6-2, advancing to the third round of the 2024 Australian Open. The 4th seed came into the season in good form, claiming the title at the ASB Classic last week and delivering a commanding first-round win over Anna Karolina Schmiedlova (No. 68) with a score of 6-3, 6-0.

Doleheide (No. 43), on the other hand, defeated the French qualifier Leolia Jeanjean (No. 143) with a score of 6-2, 6-4. This marked her first victory at the Australian Open in her career, with only one previous main draw appearance in 2022, ending in a first-round exit.

In the first set, everything started perfectly for Gauff, who secured the first break in her first opportunity and, supported by an effective service, took a 3-0 lead in a few minutes. After the break, Doleheide managed to hold her service and put pressure on the 2023 US Open champion.

Gauff had to save two break points before taking a 4-1 lead, but then came a sequence of three consecutive games from Doleheide, who won a hard-fought break. With the score tied at 4-4, both players held their serves, but Doleheide moved ahead with a break in the 11th game and had the chance to serve for the first set.

Gauff did not feel the pressure and went for the break with aggressive shots, eventually achieving it to force a tie-break. Full of confidence, Gauff dominated the tie-break from the start and secured the set in her favor at 7-6(2).

In the second set, Doleheide stood her ground against Gauff and did not waver despite the disadvantage. In the fifth game, Gauff showcased her favoritism to secure a crucial break that provided her with some comfort. Doleheide began to take more risks than throughout the match, and Gauff capitalized on her opponent's desperation, winning the next three games consecutively to close the match 7-6(2), 6-2, and advance to the third round, where she will face the world No. 82 Alycia Parks.