World No. 3 and two-time Grand Slam champion Coco Gauff learned her fate in the Australian Open after the official ceremony for the draw was held on Thursday. The 21-year-old American has been placed in the top half of the draw.
According to probable estimates, Gauff is expected to have smooth sailing until the quarterfinals. There, she could potentially face Mirra Andreeva or Elina Svitolina.
Thereafter, Gauff could face a challenging semifinal, possibly against World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka or Italian star Jasmine Paolini. If she advances to the final, potential opponents include Iga Swiatek, Amanda Anisimova, Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula, or the defending champion, Madison Keys.
As the first Major of the year approaches, the tennis world is constantly discussing various aspects of the game. Many are predicting what could happen in the season. Addressing whether Gauff can reach World No. 1 in 2026, Big T podcast host and her former coach, Brad Gilbert, offered an interesting take, citing a 51% probability in favor of Gauff becoming No. 1 this year.
“At 21 years old, three consecutive years, at three in the world, I think there’s a chance it’s going to happen this year. I will put it at a 97.91% chance of it happening. Over her career, but I think there’s a good chance it will happen in 26,” said Gilbert.
“I’m going to say 51.39. But she’s going to need potentially to make a little bit of hay because she played really poorly last year in Doha, Dubai, Indian Wells, Miami. So I think if she can have a good run there, maybe it happens in the clay court season,” he added.
Coco Gauff Could Potentially Face Venus Williams in Round 2 of the Australian Open
Gauff will take on Russian-Uzbek player Kamilla Rakhimova in the opening round of the Australian Open. The American is expected to win the match in straight sets, which could set up a potentially incredible clash against her idol, the seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams, provided she wins her round 1 match against Serbian Olga Danilovic.
Gauff, who had a decent 2025 season, winning the French Open, will hope to build on her rigorous offseason training and her admirable performance in the United Cup to put up a strong challenge for some of the anticipated favorites of the Grand Slam down under.
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