MATCH REPORT | 2024 Australian Open: Coco GAUFF claimed a new victim in overwhelming victory over Magdalena FRECH to reach quarter-finals

World No. 4 Coco Gauff swept past Magdalena Frech (No. 69) with a score of 6-1, 6-2, advancing to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open for the first time in her career. The American extended her 2024 record to a perfect 9-0, securing her 11th consecutive Grand Slam victory.

Gauff's journey to the fourth round included victories over Anna Karolina Schmiedlova (No. 6), compatriot Caroline Dolehide (No. 43), and Alycia Parks (No. 82), all in straight sets. On the other side, the Polish player overcame Daria Saville (No. 152), Caroline Garcia (No. 16), and Anastasia Zakharova (No. 190), reaching the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career.

In the first set, Gauff seized the advantage from the outset by hitting penetrating shots from her backhand. The 2023 US Open champion capitalized on her first break opportunity and then, from her serve, confirmed the lead to take a 2-0 lead. Frech comfortably held her serve in the third game, appearing to make a comeback in the set. However, Gauff remained steadfast on her serve and secured a second break in the fifth game, which proved decisive as she went on to claim the set 6-1.

Gauff faced some challenges with her first serve, landing only 40% of them. Nevertheless, she won 67% of those and 89% with her second serve. Conversely, Frech's 77% first serve percentage didn't translate into success, winning only 41% of those points and 40% with her second serve.

In the second set, the 19-year-old sensation maintained her momentum and sought to be more aggressive. Although the set started evenly, the break came in the fourth game in favor of the American, who surged ahead 3-1 and extended to 4-1 with her serve.

The 26-year-old Polish player showed more ease in the final games, first by holding her service game and then capitalizing on Gauff's uncertainties to apply some pressure. However, it wasn't enough to secure a break. Finally, in the eighth game, she secured the second break of the set and closed the match with a decisive 6-1, 6-2 in just one hour and three minutes of play.

Frech is set to achieve her career-best ranking, likely around world No. 50 based on her recent performances in Melbourne. On Gauff's side, her next challenge will be against the winner of the matchup between the Ukranian Marta Kostyuk (No. 37) and Russian qualifier Maria Timofeeva (No. 170).