American Coco Gauff appears to be establishing herself as the favorite to win this year`s Australian Open with a straight-sets victory over fellow American star Alicia Parks on Friday.
Gauff and Parks have known each other for more than a decade, ever since they coached children together in Florida.
But Gauff showed no emotion and got through the first set without dropping a game.
The 19-year-old once again relied on her impressive serve to dominate Parks, who was struggling to find her usual powerful serving game.
The teenager converted all five of his break points during the match without hitting one himself.
‘‘All I know is that (Parks) thinks like me as a person, has a lot of big goals, and expects a lot from himself.
I don’t think she was nervous at this point,‘‘ Gauff told reporters when asked if she felt her opponent was nervous during the match.
‘‘ While Gauff continues to impress in Australia, another teenager will be in the spotlight at this year’s tournament are collecting.
16-year-old Mila Andreva has already defeated sixth seed Ons Jabour at Melbourne Park this week, with an impressive comeback against France’s Diane Parry.
Incredibly, the young fighter managed to fight back and save a match point en route to a 1-6, 6-1, 7-6 win.
I just try to think positively,‘‘ Andreeva told reporters after the win.
“For example, I don’t usually have a very positive mindset, so this toughness helped me.
I think that helped me and gave me a push.
‘‘Maybe she turned the match around because she was tough on herself and demanded more from herself when she lost or played poorly?
‘‘ Andreva in the fourth round She will face either Australia’s Storm Hunter or Czech Republic’s Barbora Krejcikova, while Gauff will face Poland’s Magdalena Flech.
