"She’s a great player": Coco Gauff expects tricky quarterfinal clash against 'tough opponent' Paula Badosa at Australian Open

America’s Coco Gauff has stated that she is wary of ‘tough opponent’ Paula Badosa ahead of the Australian Open quarterfinal. Both players will face off in the last-eight clash at the first Grand Slam of the year.

Gauff cemented her spot in the last eight after beating Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic in the round of 16 with a score of 5-7, 6-2, 6-1. On the other hand, the Spaniard defeated Olga Danilovic in the fourth round in straight sets with a score of 6-1, 7-6. Gauff spoke to the media after the match and praised her opponent in the next round.

The one-time Grand Slam winner, who is already regarded as one of the best players currently playing in women’s tennis in the singles category, stated that she is vary of her ‘tough opponent’ Badosa. Gauff also highlighted what makes the 27-year-old a difficult opponent to face.

“She’s [Badosa] a tough opponent. Every time I play her, it is going to be a tough match,” said Gauff. “She’s a great player, coming off some great momentum. Hopefully, I can play good tennis but I expect her to bring her best. It’s a high-stakes match but I’m excited. I love competing. I feel like these matches will only make me better. Her physicality. She can serve well on both wings of the court. I just think her physicality. She’s a great mover and can play aggressively. I think she’s an all-around player, complete player.”

It will be the seventh meeting between the two players in professional tennis. In the previous six meetings, both players emerged victorious on three occasions each. Their most recent meeting was in the semifinal of the China Open in 2024, where Gauff came out on top with a score of 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. Interestingly, it will be the first-ever meeting between the two players in a Grand Slam.