Fri Jan 17 11:05:41 UTC 2025: ## Gauff Marches On at Australian Open, Osaka Retires Injured
**Melbourne, Australia –** Coco Gauff continued her dominant start to the year, cruising into the fourth round of the Australian Open with a commanding 6-4, 6-2 victory over Leylah Fernandez. The American world number three, a pre-tournament favorite, has yet to drop a set in eight matches this season, extending her winning streak to 12. While acknowledging Fernandez’s improved play compared to their previous encounter at the United Cup, Gauff showcased her superior power and precision, breaking Fernandez’s serve at crucial moments to secure the win in just over an hour. Gauff will next face Belinda Bencic for a place in the quarterfinals.
Gauff’s advancement came on the same day as a disappointing retirement from two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka. Osaka, hampered by an abdominal injury that has plagued her since Auckland, withdrew from her third-round match against Bencic after losing the first set in a tiebreak, 7-6(3). Despite initially showing promise and battling through the pain, the injury proved too much for the Japanese star, who described her condition as “not fantastic” and admitted her withdrawal was “inevitable” given the strain of previous matches. Bencic expressed sympathy for Osaka, highlighting the unfortunate circumstances of the match’s conclusion. The Swiss player advances to the last 16.
First Piper 