Coco Gauff has booked her spot in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Australian Open following a challenging victory over Karolina Muchova on Sunday. The third-seeded American defeated her Czech opponent 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 at Melbourne Park, keeping her undefeated head-to-head record (5-0) intact.
Match Recap
Coco Gauff came out swinging in the first set, establishing a dominant 5-0 lead in under 20 minutes thanks to aggressive positioning and powerful groundstrokes.
However, the dynamic shifted in the second set. Karolina Muchova found her rhythm, breaking Gauff’s serve twice and claiming the set 6-3—marking the first time she has managed to take a set off Coco Gauff in their five encounters.
The deciding set tested Coco Gauff’s mental fortitude. Despite an early deficit, she rallied to take a 4-1 lead. Although Karolina Muchova fought bravely to save three match points, Gauff’s consistency under pressure secured the win.
Key Moments and Stats
- Crowd Favorite: The match featured a stunning no-look, cross-court forehand pass from Gauff that brought the Melbourne crowd to its feet.
- By the Numbers: Both players served two aces each, but Gauff held the edge with fewer double faults (1 vs. 3) and a higher percentage of first-serve points won (68% vs. 65%).
What’s Next?
Coco Gauff now advances to the quarterfinals for the third consecutive year, where she will face Elina Svitolina. Svitolina earned her spot in the last eight after defeating Mirra Andreeva.
For Gauff, history is on her side; every time she has defeated Karolina Muchova in a tournament—such as her 2023 U.S. Open run—she has gone on to win the title.
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.
