Coco Gauff extended her unbeaten start to the year on Wednesday, but had to overcome a weakness in the second set in a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Jodie Burrage at the Australian Open.

The American world number three, who ousted former Melbourne champion Sofia Kenin in the first round, defeated the Brit in 1 hour and 29 minutes to reach the third round.

She plays Canada’s No. 30 Leylah Fernandez on Friday for a place in the round of 16.

The hard-hitting Burrage took the second set 5-3, but in her first appearance at Rod Laver Arena her nerves got the better of her and she double-faulted twice to allow Gauff to equalize.

Burrage’s collapse in the second set was completed when her sixth double fault gave Gauff another break to take a 6-5 lead, and she won on the first match point.

“It was hard. She served really well, so I just tried to do it,” Gauff said.

“In the middle of the second set she really stepped up her level, so I just tried to be offensive when I could because if I landed a little short, she scored a winner.”

Gauff suffered from her own performance, committing seven double faults while being broken three times by the world number 173.

“She came back well, which put pressure on my serve. Next time I’ll have to mix up the goals a little.”

Gauff remained in control of other aspects of her game, committing only 18 unforced errors in the game and scoring 14 game-winning goals.

The 25-year-old Burrage, who is on the comeback after missing six months last year due to wrist surgery and a knee injury, posted 21 wins, 16 of which came with her powerful forehand.

Burrage’s first-round victory over Leolia Jeanjean of France was her first at a Grand Slam since the 2023 US Open.

Gauff lost in the semi-finals 12 months ago in Melbourne against eventual world champion Aryna Sabalenka.

She will face the Belarusian at the same time this year as she aims for a second Grand Slam title after winning the US Open in 2023.

Based on his current performances, the 20-year-old Gauff must be classified as a main contender, having successfully completed 2024 by winning the China Open and the season-ending WTA Tour Finals.

She carried this form into Australia, winning all of her singles matches at the United Cup, including beating world number two Iga Swiatek in straight sets.

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