American tennis star Coco Gauff was eliminated from the 2025 Australian Open quarterfinals after a straight-sets loss to Spain’s Paula Badosa, who won 7-5, 6-4. Gauff, the No. 3 seed, entered the match as the heavy favorite but struggled to overcome Badosa’s aggressive play.
The victory marks a milestone for Badosa, the No. 11 seed, as it’s her first win over a top-10 opponent at a Grand Slam and her first-ever semifinal appearance in a major tournament.
Gauff’s exit ends American hopes for a women’s singles title in Melbourne after Jessica Pegula was eliminated earlier in the tournament. Here’s a look at what happened and what lies ahead for both players.
Badosa’s Breakthrough Win
A First Grand Slam Semifinal for Badosa
Prior to this match, Paula Badosa had never advanced past the quarterfinals in any Grand Slam event. Her win against Gauff signals a turning point in her career, as she now eyes her first major title.
Badosa’s confidence and consistent shot-making gave her the edge in the quarterfinal. She managed to capitalize on key moments, breaking Gauff’s serve at critical points and holding her own under pressure.
This victory not only propels Badosa into the semifinals but also establishes her as a serious contender moving forward in the tournament.
Who Will Badosa Face Next?
Badosa will face the winner of the quarterfinal clash between world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and No. 33 seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Sabalenka is the heavy favorite in that match, which is scheduled for Tuesday night in Australia (3:30 a.m. ET).
What Went Wrong for Coco Gauff?
Missed Opportunities
Gauff struggled to find her rhythm during the match, making unforced errors at crucial moments. She was unable to capitalize on break points and found it difficult to counter Badosa’s consistent baseline game.
This loss comes as a disappointment for Gauff, who was aiming to reach her second consecutive semifinal at the Australian Open. Her powerful serve and athleticism were not enough to overcome Badosa’s strategy and resilience.
Looking Ahead: Roland Garros
Gauff’s next opportunity to chase her second Grand Slam title will come at the French Open, which begins on May 25, 2025. She has had success on clay courts in the past, reaching the semifinals of Roland Garros last year. Gauff will be eager to regroup and make another deep run in Paris.
Key Dates and What’s Next in the Australian Open
Upcoming Matches
- Women’s Semifinals: Scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 23, at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.
- Women’s Final: Set for Saturday, Jan. 25, with the time to be determined.
Next Grand Slam: French Open
The French Open will kick off on May 25, 2025, in Paris, with the finals taking place on June 8, 2025.
Coco Gauff’s quarterfinal loss to Paula Badosa may be a setback, but her journey is far from over. With her focus shifting to the French Open in May, Gauff has time to refine her game and prepare for her next Grand Slam opportunity.
For Badosa, this breakthrough victory could be the start of something special. As she advances to the Australian Open semifinals, her confidence and momentum will be key as she faces tough competition in the next round.
