MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Coco Gauff still hasn't lost a match or even at set at the Australian Open — or, actually, this season. She moved into the fourth round at Melbourne Park with a straightforward 6-4, 6-2 victory over 2021 U.S. Open runner-up Leylah Fernandez on Friday night.
While there have been plenty of surprises in the men's bracket so far, most of the top women have progressed through the draw without an issue. That includes wins on Friday for No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who is the two-time defending champion in Australia, No. 3 Gauff, No. 11 Paula Badosa and No. 14 Mirra Andreeva.
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Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays a backhand return to Tomas Machac of the Czech Republic during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts after winning a point against Tomas Machac of the Czech Republic during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine reacts during her third round match against Paula Badosa of Spain at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Paula Badosa of Spain reacts as she is interviewed on court following her third round win over Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Tommy Paul of the U.S. celebrates after defeating Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, left, of Spain is congratulated by Jakub Mensik of the Czech Republic following their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina of Spain celebrates aftre defeating Jakub Mensik of the Czech Republic in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Alexander Zverev of Germany waves after defeating Jacob Fearnley of Britain in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain plays a forehand return to Alexander Shevchenko of Kazakhstan during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain reacts after defeating Nuno Borges of Portugal in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Naomi Osaka of Japan is embraced by Belinda Bencic, right, of Switzerland after she retired from their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts during her third round match against Clara Tauson of Denmark at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus plays a forehand return to Clara Tauson of Denmark during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Coco Gauff of the U.S. waves after defeating Leylah Fernandez of Canada in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Coco Gauff, left, of the U.S. is congratulated by Leylah Fernandez of Canada following their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Coco Gauff of the U.S. plays a forehand return to Leylah Fernandez of Canada during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Belinda Bencic of Switzerland signs autographs following her third round match against Naomi Osaka of Japan at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Belinda Bencic of Switzerland signs autographs following her third round match against Naomi Osaka of Japan at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Naomi Osaka of Japan receives treatment from a trainer during her third round match against Belinda Bencic of Switzerland at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Naomi Osaka of Japan leaves the court after retiring from her third round match against Belinda Bencic of Switzerland at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Tommy Paul, right, of the U.S. is congratulated by Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain following their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Tommy Paul of the U.S. celebrates after defeating Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Paula Badosa of Spain autographs the screen on a television camera after defeating Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Paula Badosa of Spain celebrates after defeating Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Paula Badosa of Spain signs autographs after defeating Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Diana Shnaider, right, of Russia congratulates Donna Vekic of Croatia following their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Diana Shnaider of Russia plays a forehand return to Donna Vekic of Croatia during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Donna Vekic of Croatia reacts after defeating Diana Shnaider of Russia in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates after defeating Clara Tauson of Denmark in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia reacts after winning the first set against Laura Siegemund of Germany during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Diana Shnaider of Russia plays a backhand return to Donna Vekic of Croatia during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Laura Siegemund of Germany plays a backhand return to Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Clara Tauson of Denmark plays a backhand return to Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Aryna Sabalenka, right, of Belarus is congratulated by Clara Tauson of Denmark following their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus plays a backhand return to Clara Tauson of Denmark during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates after defeating Clara Tauson of Denmark in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
However, No. 7 seed Jessica Pegula was ousted by world No. 55 Olga Danilovic in two sets.
The Serbian player beat the U.S. Open runner-up 7-6 (3), 6-1 after she hit 28 winners and saved all six break points she faced. It was Danilovic’s third career win over a top-10 player.
Naomi Osaka, a two-time champion in Australia, stopped playing because of a strained abdominal muscle after dropping the first set of her match against Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Belinda Bencic.
Men's winners in third-round action included No. 2 Alexander Zverev, No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz, No. 7 Novak Djokovic and No. 12 Tommy Paul. Djokovic — who won 10 of his 24 Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open — overcame some mid-match breathing trouble to dismiss No. 26 Tomas Machac 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 at night.
“I think I played really well,” Djokovic said. “I’m very happy with my game.”
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina had a much more difficult path, coming back from two sets down for the second match in a row and saving two match points to sneak past 19-year-old Jakub Mensik 3-6, 4-6, 7-6 (7), 6-4, 6-2. Davidovich Fokina is the first man since 2005 to win twice in a row in Australia after falling behind 0-2 in sets.
“In all these years I had a lot of up-and-downs," Davidovich Fokina said. “I had decided this year to fight every point.”
Alcaraz's next opponent will be No. 15 Jack Draper or Aleksandar Vukic.
A year ago, 2023 U.S. Open champion Gauff had her best run in Melbourne, getting to the semifinals before bowing out against Sabalenka, who extended her winning streak at the tournament to 17 matches by eliminating Clara Tauson 7-6 (5), 6-4 on Friday.
Like Gauff, Sabalenka is unbeaten in the early going in 2025. They could meet in the semifinals again this time around next weekend.
Gauff needed just 75 minutes to get past Fernandez, a left-hander who was seeded 30th. Gauff was broken just once and compiled an 18-7 advantage in total winners.
It was Gauff's second recent win over Fernandez, after beating her in the United Cup team competition. That is part of Gauff's 8-0 record, 16-0 in sets, so far this season.
That made this one “harder,” Gauff said, “because she knows what to expect, and I definitely think she played a little bit different today.”
That prompted Gauff to switch some things up, too, as she seeks her second major championship. She's tweaked her coaching staff and altered her serving and forehand mechanics a bit after being a tad disappointed with her Grand Slam performances in 2024 — even if the season did end with a title at the WTA Finals.
“Tennis feels so high stakes, but it's really not. I'm so lucky to do what I do — also get paid doing it,” said Gauff, a 20-year-old from Florida.
“My biggest thing I learned last year is just not to take anything for granted," Gauff said, "and just realized this time is going to go by so fast. ... I'm just trying to enjoy it while I’m here.”
Neither Sabalenka nor Tauson served all that well in Rod Laver Arena. Maybe it was the sun. Maybe it was the wind. Maybe it was slower court conditions.
The first seven games of the match were all breaks, and Tauson was the first to hold, leading 5-3. But that's when Sabalenka began to get going.
“I am super happy I was able to push myself," Sabalenka said. "I told myself, ‘Well, girl, you are tough.’ So many times, I thought I was done.”
Next for her is a matchup with 17-year-old Andreeva, a 6-2, 1-6, 6-2 winner against No. 23 Magdalena Frech. Badosa barely emerged to beat No. 17 Marta Kostyuk 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, and 2021 French Open runner-up Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, the 27th seed, defeated Laura Siegemund 6-1, 6-2. Siegemund took a big step back after being the one to beat Zheng, who was the runner-up to Sabalenka in Australia last January and won a gold medal at the Paris Olympics in August.
Alcaraz ceded a set for the first time this week but beat Nuno Borges 6-2, 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-2, Zverev defeated Jacob Fearnley 6-3, 6-4, 6-4, and Paul got past Robert Carballes Baena 7-6 (0), 6-2, 6-0.
AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis
Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays a backhand return to Tomas Machac of the Czech Republic during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts after winning a point against Tomas Machac of the Czech Republic during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine reacts during her third round match against Paula Badosa of Spain at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Paula Badosa of Spain reacts as she is interviewed on court following her third round win over Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Tommy Paul of the U.S. celebrates after defeating Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, left, of Spain is congratulated by Jakub Mensik of the Czech Republic following their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina of Spain celebrates aftre defeating Jakub Mensik of the Czech Republic in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Alexander Zverev of Germany waves after defeating Jacob Fearnley of Britain in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain plays a forehand return to Alexander Shevchenko of Kazakhstan during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain reacts after defeating Nuno Borges of Portugal in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Naomi Osaka of Japan is embraced by Belinda Bencic, right, of Switzerland after she retired from their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts during her third round match against Clara Tauson of Denmark at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus plays a forehand return to Clara Tauson of Denmark during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Coco Gauff of the U.S. waves after defeating Leylah Fernandez of Canada in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Coco Gauff, left, of the U.S. is congratulated by Leylah Fernandez of Canada following their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Coco Gauff of the U.S. plays a forehand return to Leylah Fernandez of Canada during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Belinda Bencic of Switzerland signs autographs following her third round match against Naomi Osaka of Japan at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Belinda Bencic of Switzerland signs autographs following her third round match against Naomi Osaka of Japan at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Naomi Osaka of Japan receives treatment from a trainer during her third round match against Belinda Bencic of Switzerland at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Naomi Osaka of Japan leaves the court after retiring from her third round match against Belinda Bencic of Switzerland at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Tommy Paul, right, of the U.S. is congratulated by Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain following their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Tommy Paul of the U.S. celebrates after defeating Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Paula Badosa of Spain autographs the screen on a television camera after defeating Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Paula Badosa of Spain celebrates after defeating Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Paula Badosa of Spain signs autographs after defeating Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Diana Shnaider, right, of Russia congratulates Donna Vekic of Croatia following their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Diana Shnaider of Russia plays a forehand return to Donna Vekic of Croatia during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Donna Vekic of Croatia reacts after defeating Diana Shnaider of Russia in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates after defeating Clara Tauson of Denmark in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia reacts after winning the first set against Laura Siegemund of Germany during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Diana Shnaider of Russia plays a backhand return to Donna Vekic of Croatia during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Laura Siegemund of Germany plays a backhand return to Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Clara Tauson of Denmark plays a backhand return to Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Aryna Sabalenka, right, of Belarus is congratulated by Clara Tauson of Denmark following their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus plays a backhand return to Clara Tauson of Denmark during their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates after defeating Clara Tauson of Denmark in their third round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
