Coco Gauff is dumped OUT of the Australian Open in the fourth round by Jelena Ostapenka
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BREAKING NEWS: American superstar Coco Gauff is knocked OUT of the Australian Open in the fourth round as Jelena Ostapenka produces a major shock in two sets to set up the quarterfinal clash with Elena Rybakina.
American Coco Gauff was at the end of a major upset in the fourth round of the Australian Open on Sunday, being knocked out in straight sets by Jelena Ostapenka.
The 18-year-old entered the match at Margaret Court Arena as the heavy favourite, seeded 10 places higher than her Latvian opponent with a place in the quarterfinals on the horizon.
But Gauff failed to rise to the occasion, losing 7-5, 6-3 to the stunned crowd and the young American star headed home.
Coco Gauff regrets a decision during her loss, which lasted just one hour and 33 minutes
Jelena Ostapenka stunned Australian Open with victory over No.7 seed American
Gauff struggled at Margaret Court Arena and missed a big chance to go deep into a slam
Ostapenka performed a power punching clinic in Melbourne to seal the win, and now she has set up a quarterfinal showdown with Elena Rybakina, which in itself is another big surprise.
With Rod Laver, Rybakina defeated world number 1 Iga Swiatek 6-4, 6-4 in one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, at exactly the same time that Gauff and Ostapenka were engaged in their own battle.
Gauff is likely to be even more disappointed with her performance when she sees that Swiatek is also out, as the other result would have significantly increased her chances of reaching the final.
Gauff waves goodbye to the crowd after exiting the women’s singles in round four.
Gauff (below) plays out a comeback in sweltering Australian temperatures on Sunday afternoon
Ostapenka was ruthless and set up a quarterfinal clash with Elena Rybakina next week.
On court, 17th seed Ostapenko was ruthless late, unleashing a forehand down the line to generate match point, then sliced the line with a forehand cross to give Gauff no chance.
There is still one American standing in the women’s singles, though, with No.3 seed Jessica Pegula facing Barbora Krejcikova on Monday.
She is the top seed remaining in the women’s single and will hope she can seal the best Grand Slam finish in Australia this year, having twice reached the quarterfinals there in 2021 and 2022.