Coco Gauff was pushed into a corner in her third round battle with fellow American Hailey Baptiste at the 2026 Australian Open this Friday. However, once the world No. 3 got her sea legs, all momentum was in her favor.
After having no answer for Baptiste’s aggressive play in the opening set, Gauff staged a commanding comeback securing the 3-6, 6-0, 6-3 win. The win sets her up for a showdown with Karolina Muchova on Sunday in her way to a fourth-round game.
Overcoming Early Pressure
Baptiste did not set it easy for Gauff in the beginning. Coming off some great wins against Taylor Townsend and Storm Hunter to reach this stage for the first time, Baptiste used her formidable forehand to dictate play. She hit six winners out of that wing alone, putting Gauff on the back foot to take the first set.
But as is the habit of elite competitors, Gauff recalibrated. By tightening up her service game, and finding her own range of winners, the 21-year-old wrested control of the match. In the process, she delivered an impeccable second set – her first 6-0 set for a while (back to Wuhana in the quarter-finals last October) – ensuring her perfect record in Melbourne Park third rounds remained intact.
Gauff reflected on the turnaround with this assessment: Honestly, I didn’t change too much. “I tried to get more first serves in, but she played so good in the first set. I just told myself, ‘If she plays like this the whole match and I can’t raise my level, then great job to her.’ But I was able to elevate my level and I’m happy with how I was mentally able to keep calm during that.
From Roommates to Rivals
The atmosphere at Margaret Court Arena was a huge jump from Palm Springs, California where the two players were once roommates as juniors. The match was an emotional reminder of their shared history and a key part that their families played in their development.
“If you told us at that age that we’re going to be playing each other on the biggest stage. I feel the most happy for our parents,” Gauff said. “To be able to see her dad in her box and be able to know the stuff they needed to do to get to this level, it was particularly cool.”
The Road Ahead
Gauff now turns her attention to continuing her amazing run at the Australian Open as she prepares to face No. 19 seed Karolina Muchova. A win would put her in the quarters for the third consecutive year.
Accepting Muchova’s tactical variation, Gauff intends to use her experience to Baptiste’s detriment in preparing for the challenge.
“It’s not often that you play two players like Muchova and Hailey, so I think I’m going to have to take what I did today and fix it further,” she noted. But not a tough opponent – she’s one of the best players on tour. It’s never easy with her, but I’m happy enough with today, and look forward to Sunday.
Saurabh is a passionate tennis content writer and lifelong fan of the game. Whether it’s Grand Slam showdowns or under-the-radar rising stars, Saurabh brings the court to life with sharp analysis, breaking news, and deep-dive features. When they aren’t covering matches, you can find them practicing their topspin forehand or debating who is the GOAT over coffee. Do you enjoy tennis? Then you are in the right place.
