Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff are among the high-profile WTA names that have been enjoying themselves at the Australian Open thus far.
Gauff isn’t taking anything for granted at this stage of her career and indeed in wider life, with the American currently chasing a second Grand Slam title.
The 20-year-old, who won the 2023 US Open, now takes on Belinda Bencic in round four of the Australian Open after three consecutive straight set wins.
WTA number two Swiatek meanwhile meets Eva Lys in round four in Melbourne, having also clinched three straight set victories.
The Pole, who lost her number one spot in the rankings to Aryna Sabalenka late last season, is a five-time Grand Slam champion.
Iga Swiatek wants to play Coco Gauff again after United Cup loss
She has just beaten former British number one and 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu, with a Swiatek versus Gauff Australian Open final on the cards.
The American beat the Pole in the United Cup final earlier this season, with Swiatek reminded of that loss in her latest press conference in Melbourne.
Asked to compare her performances against Gauff and Raducanu, and if the former result may have been different had she played how she did in the latter, Swiatek replied: “Oh, doesn’t make sense to compare.
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“Playing against Coco is different than playing against Emma or other players. Like, she’s literally one of three best players in the world right now, I would say.
“Yeah, but, I mean, I felt like I’m playing good in the United Cup. I had these nice matches with [Karolina] Muchova and [Katie] Boulter, as well.
“I was in trouble. I was able to come back. I won against Elena [Rybakina] for the first time on faster hard courts.
“It was nice. I felt like I’m playing good. For sure, I couldn’t give 100% on that match with Coco. Obviously she earned it.
“She played really nice and pretty aggressive and everything. But, you know, at the end I couldn’t really move much because everything hurt me.
“So for sure I would like to play again with Coco when I’m more fit and ready to run and everything. With Coco, you need to physically be ready. She’s running a lot, as well. The rallies can be long.
“But yeah, I mean, during the whole year, I think there are many situations where, I don’t know, both players are fresh or one is fatigued, one not.
“United Cup is intense for everybody. You never know what you’re going to see on the other side of the net.
“When you play these top players, you always need to be ready and 100% to win against them. Also these previous wins I had with her, they didn’t happen like that (snapping fingers). I always had to work for it. I wouldn’t compare. Totally different story. Totally different tournament.”
What is the head-to-head record between Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff?
Swiatek really impressed at the United Cup as Poland reached the final for the second-successive season.
But just like the 2024 version, Swiatek and her nation were beaten finalists, losing 2-0 to the USA after that 2-1 loss to Germany.
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And while she impressed in both singles and doubles, it was Gauff who was honoured with the MVP award thanks to her seven wins from seven matches.
Swiatek had been dominating their head-to-head record for quite some time, and while she still boasts a much better record, Gauff has now won their last two meetings.
The talented pair have met 14 times on the WTA Tour, with Gauff improving the record to 3-11 in favour of Swiatek after beating her at the United Cup and the recent WTA Finals.
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