Former world number five Daniela Hantuchova believes that
America’s
Coco Gauff is the only player who can stop reigning world number one
Aryna Sabalenka at the
Australian Open. The first Grand Slam of 2025 is underway, where top players from all over the world are producing some top-class tennis as they continue to battle to secure the ultimate prize.
Former world number five Hantuchova has been recently quoted
in a report by Tennis 365, in which she named Gauff as one player who has the ability
to stop Sabalenka from lifting her third consecutive title in Melbourne this
year. Hantuchova also stated that Gauff reminds her of the former world number
one, Serena Williams.
“She has got it,” she said. “I feel like now that when she
comes to the sites and walks around the tournament, a little bit the same
feeling I had when Serena was around. You can’t explain what it is, it’s like
that aura that has around her. The calmness, the confidence, just everything
about Coco this year seems to be right. We talk about Sabalenka being the clear
favourite, but if there is one player that can cause her real problems it is
definitely Coco and I wouldn’t be surprised if she lifts the trophy this year.”
Gauff had an impressive outing last year in Melbourne but fell
short at the semifinal stage as she lost to Sabalenka in straight sets with a
score of 7-6, 6-4. The 20-year-old, who is regarded as one of the best players
currently playing in women’s tennis in the singles category, has booked her
place in the third round of the ongoing mega-event after beating Jodie Anna Burrage
in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 7-5. She will face Canada’s Leylah
Fernandez in the round of 32. She cemented her spot after beating Spain’s
Cristina Bucsa with a score of 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.