Gauff’s Australian Open Run Ends in Quarterfinals as Errors Pile Up Against Badosa

Eppe Franklyne –

• Coco Gauff’s hopes of securing her second Grand Slam title at the Australian Open were dashed in the quarterfinals by Paula Badosa, who won 7-5, 6-4.
• Gauff struggled with unforced errors, double faults, and missed forehands throughout the match.
• Despite the loss, Gauff remains optimistic about her growth, acknowledging improvements in her serve and aggressive play.
• Badosa advances to her first Grand Slam semifinal, capitalizing on Gauff’s errors and key moments.

Coco Gauff’s strong start to the 2025 season came to a disappointing end at the Australian Open, as she was eliminated by No. 11 Paula Badosa in the quarterfinals. The 2023 U.S. Open champion failed to take control on a hot afternoon in Rod Laver Arena, falling 7-5, 6-4 to the Spaniard.

Gauff had arrived in Melbourne with high hopes of earning her second Grand Slam title, having worked extensively on her forehand and serve following a disappointing end to her U.S. Open title defense. Despite her improvements, the 20-year-old struggled to execute under pressure, accumulating 41 unforced errors, six double faults, and 28 missed forehands. Her serve, though improved, was inconsistent, and she failed to convert any break points in the match.

Reflecting on her performance, Gauff remained optimistic, noting that while she wasn’t satisfied with the result, she felt she was on the right path. “I feel like I’m on the road to the right way, the right path,” she said. “Even though I lost today, I feel like I’m in an upward trajectory.”

Badosa, who had previously never reached a Grand Slam semifinal, capitalized on Gauff’s mistakes, applying consistent pressure throughout the match. A pivotal game in the second set, lasting 22 points over 13 minutes, saw Gauff miss two consecutive forehands to give Badosa a break. This error-laden game highlighted Gauff’s struggles, with 11 of Badosa’s 12 points coming from Gauff’s mistakes.

Despite the loss, Gauff remains focused on her development, recognizing the need for further work but maintaining confidence in her progress. “Just a lot more work to do,” she said. “I’m not completely crushed.”

Badosa, now heading to her first Grand Slam semifinal at age 27, showed composure in critical moments, ultimately sealing the victory and advancing with a dominant performance.