Coco Gauff handed Australian Open omen with Karolina Muchova win | Tennis | Sport

Coco Gauff’s chances of success at the Australian Open may have increased thanks to an omen which has emerged after he win over Karolina Muchova. Gauff needed all three sets to complete a 6-1 3-6 6-3 victory over Muchova to reach the quarter-final of the grand slam in Melbourne.

The 21-year-old will now face Elina Svitolina in the quarter-final of the Australian Open, as she bids to win what would be a third grand slam title of her career, and a first in Melbourne. Gauff has an impressive record against Muchova in the past, and it’s that very record, which bodes well for her chances of achieving glory at the first grand slam of the calendar year. There have been five meetings between Gauff and Muchova in the singles matches, with all five ending in a win for the 2025 French Open champion.

What may give Gauff some encouragement is that every time she has beaten Muchova in a match, she has then gone on to win the tournament. This has happened in the Cincinnati Masters and the US Open in 2023, as well as the China Open in 2024 and in the United Cup just last year.

After reaching the quarter-final of the Australian Open, Gauff was quick to point out that, despite her impressive record against Muchova, the matches have been far from straightforward.

“Every time I play her, even though it’s been good, it’s never been easy,” Gauff told TNT Sports after her win over Muchova.

“I think she plays so well, especially coming from behind, so that last service game was really important.”

Gauff went on to explain why she is determined to have a successful tournament in Melbourne, despite admitting to having challenges during the win over Muchova.

“Honestly, I think it was tough when the balls started to get old,” said Gauff. “I felt like usually my high spin shot wasn’t jumping up as much, so I was just trying to accelerate.

“It wasn’t the prettiest towards the end, but it was enough for today, and that’s all that matters.”

“It means a lot, just wanting to start off the year on a good note,” Gauff continued. “I want to continue this momentum. I feel like each match I’m getting better, and that is all I can ask for.”