"She has got it": Former world number five names one player who can challenge Aryna Sabalenka for Australian Open glory

Former world number five Daniela Hantuchova believes that America’s Coco Gauff is the only player who can stop reigning world number one Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open. The first Grand Slam of 2025 is underway, where top players from all over the world are producing some top-class tennis as they continue to battle to secure the ultimate prize.

Former world number five Hantuchova has been recently quoted in a report by Tennis 365, in which she named Gauff as one player who has the ability to stop Sabalenka from lifting her third consecutive title in Melbourne this year. Hantuchova also stated that Gauff reminds her of the former world number one, Serena Williams.

“She has got it,” she said. “I feel like now that when she comes to the sites and walks around the tournament, a little bit the same feeling I had when Serena was around. You can’t explain what it is, it’s like that aura that has around her. The calmness, the confidence, just everything about Coco this year seems to be right. We talk about Sabalenka being the clear favourite, but if there is one player that can cause her real problems it is definitely Coco and I wouldn’t be surprised if she lifts the trophy this year.”

Gauff had an impressive outing last year in Melbourne but fell short at the semifinal stage as she lost to Sabalenka in straight sets with a score of 7-6, 6-4. The 20-year-old, who is regarded as one of the best players currently playing in women’s tennis in the singles category, has booked her place in the third round of the ongoing mega-event after beating Jodie Anna Burrage in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 7-5. She will face Canada’s Leylah Fernandez in the round of 32. She cemented her spot after beating Spain’s Cristina Bucsa with a score of 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.