Coco Gauff, Novak Djokovic star under Australian Open lights with smooth-sailing week two returns

Coco Gauff and Novak Djokovic sailed through their third-round matches at the Australian Open Friday, as the two starred side-by-side under the lights of Melbourne Park’s two biggest courts.

Gauff cruised past Leylah Fernandez for the second time this season, having dispatched the left-hander in her 2025 opener at the United Cup. Dueling this time on Margaret Court Arena, the No. 3 seed held Fernandez to just seven winners in a decisive 6-4, 6-2 victory after 76 minutes.

Speaking with Jelena Dokic on court afterwards, Gauff asserted it was more challenging to take on an opponent she recently faced across the net.

“Definitely think it’s harder because you’re trying to change up what you did last time, because she’s kind of expecting it. Leylah’s a great competitor, great player, great person,” she said.

“She played a little bit different today than she did at United Cup.”

The 2023 US Open champion has won 10 consecutive matches dating back to last November’s WTA Finals. Gauff advanced to the semifinals here a year ago, before falling to eventual champion Aryna Sabalenka.

Belinda Bencic awaits in the round of 16. The Swiss moved through when two-time titlist Naomi Osaka retired down 7-6 (3) with an abdominal injury.

Djokovic put together his most clinical display of his first three matches on Rod Laver Arena with new coach Andy Murray. The 10-time champion brushed aside 26th seed Tomas Machac, 6-1 6-4, 6-4, to remain on a quarterfinal collision course with third-seeded Carlos Alcaraz.

“I think I played really well, honestly. I’m very happy with my game,” Djokovic declared to Andrea Petkovic. “I was slightly surprised, to be honest, with the result—to beat him in straight sets.”

Seeded seventh at this edition of the Melbourne major, Djokovic had been pushed to four sets in his opening two rounds by opponents ranked outside of the Top 100. Against Machac, the 37-year-old put a physical issue that arose in the second set behind him to stay the course.

Djokovic converted five breaks while dropping serve just once to take a 2-1 lead in their head-to-head series.

“I was trying to catch the breath. I’m not 19 anymore,” said Djokovic. “Just a couple points really decided that second set, it could have gone his way and maybe the outcome of the match would be different. In the third, felt fresh, moved really well.

“This is definitely the best match that I’ve played in the tournament.”

Up next for Djokovic: a battle with Brisbane champion Jiri Lehecka. The No. 24 seed eased past Benjamin Bonzi, 6-2, 6-3. 6-3.