CNN
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Coco Gauff fought by way of a troublesome second-round match on the Australian Open on Wednesday, defeating Emma Raducanu 6-3 7-6.
The 18-year-old Gauff is now unbeaten in seven matches this yr having received the ASB Traditional in Auckland earlier this month.
In opposition to Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, she confronted arguably her sternest take a look at of the yr up to now, and the much-anticipated encounter actually lived as much as its billing.
Each gamers produced high-quality pictures at essential moments, but it surely was Gauff, seeded seventh for the match, who had the higher hand all through.
“Contemplating the circumstances, I can think about each of us had been nervous,” Gauff mentioned in her on-court interview. “This was a long-anticipated match-up principally because the draw got here out, so I’m glad that it was a superb match for you guys.”
The pair exchanged breaks at the beginning of the match, however Gauff seized the benefit when she broke for a 4-2 lead and served out for the primary set.
It appeared just like the American would cruise by way of the remainder of the match when she took a 3-1 lead within the second set, however Raducanu clawed her method again into the competition and broke Gauff to like at 3-4.
Repeatedly, the 2 gamers discovered themselves locked in lengthy, absorbing rallies, and Raducanu got here near leveling the match with two set factors at 5-4.
Gauff, nevertheless, was shifting beautifully across the courtroom, retrieving pictures that appeared effectively out of her attain. Her serve additionally proved a dependable weapon when she wanted it most as she took the second set to a tiebreak.
Raducanu, unable to maintain her excessive degree from earlier within the set, slipped to a 2-6 deficit within the tiebreak, and from there Gauff noticed out the competition by sending a lob over Raducanu on the third of her 4 match factors.
Having began the Australian Open as one of many pre-tournament favorites, Gauff will step up her pursuit of a primary grand slam title towards both China’s Zheng Qinwen or American compatriot Bernarda Pera within the third spherical.
For the 20-year-old Raducanu, the defeat ended a tough begin to the yr having rolled her ankle throughout her second-round match in Auckland.
She has struggled with type and damage since profitable her first grand slam as an 18-year-old qualifier and dropped to 77th on this planet rankings forward of the Australian Open.
