January 22, (THEWILL) – Jelena Ostapenko, the 2017 French Open champion, has advanced to the quarter-finals of the Australian Open after a 7-5 6-3 win over Coco Gauff.
The match was a highly competitive affair, with both players putting on a strong performance. However, it was Ostapenko, who ultimately came out on top, winning the baseline battle throughout the match and bringing an end to Gauff’s unbeaten start to 2023.
She did not find it easy, though. Ostapenko had to save four break points in a tight seventh game to hold for 4-3. Her aggressive brand of tennis paid off in the end, as she was able to seal the first set in 49 minutes and break the Gauff serve to take set point with a blistering backhand volley at the net.
In the second set, Ostapenko was able to break Gauff’s serve in the eighth game, moving into a 5-3 lead and confidently serving out the match to produce one of her finest wins in recent years. She will look to continue her strong performance in the quarter-finals.
Ostapenko is due to face reigning Wimbledon champion, Elena Rybakina, in an unlikely quarter-final meeting after the Kazakhstani upset world number one, Iga Swiatek, 6-4 6-4.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
