Gauff Yet To Huff And Puff

American eases past Fernandez to win her 16th successive set of 2025 season

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Coco Gauff extended her unblemished start to the season with a straight-set victory over Leylah Fernandez on Jan 17 to roll into the second week of the Australian Open.

The American world No. 3, one of the favourites for the Melbourne Grand Slam title, eased to a 6-4, 6-2 third-round win on Margaret Court Arena against the 30th seed from Canada.

Gauff is yet to drop a set this season in eight matches, having won all five of her singles at the season-opening United Cup, including a 6-3, 6-2 win over Fernandez, which was the pair's only previous clash.

"I think it was harder because she knew what to expect, and I definitely think she played a little bit different today than at the United Cup," said the in-form 20-year-old, who is on an overall 12-match winning streak.

"Leylah is a great competitor, great player, great person, so I knew today was going to be a tough match, regardless of the result a couple of weeks ago."