San Francisco Frontiers - Gauff hopes history repeats itself after reaching Melbourne quarters

Gauff dropped a set for the second match in a row before clawing her way into the last eight 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 and will now play either Ukraine's 12th seed Elina Svitolina or Russian eighth seed Mirra Andreeva.

Gauff had a psychological advantage before a ball was hit, winning all of her previous encounters with the seasoned Muchova, including at Cincinnati and the US Open in 2023 and Beijing a year later.

Gauff went on to be crowned champion at each event.

"I saw someone post that. I didn't know that," she said.

"I think I just usually play her later in the tournaments, so it just happens to be like that.

"US Open I played her in the quarters, Beijing was in the final, Cincy was in the final. So I think it just happens to be like that because I have played her in the later rounds.

"I don't think I'm going to think about that, but if I do win, then I guess I have her to thank."

The 21-year-old Gauff, the 2025 French Open and 2023 US Open champion, has never gone beyond the last four at Melbourne Park.

Muchova had pedigree, bidding to make an eighth career Grand Slam quarter-final and she made life difficult after a slow start.

Gauff made the best possible start, with back-to-back breaks of Muchova who blasted a slew of unforced errors, racing 4-0 in front.

Gauff's serve has been her Achilles' heel in recent times, but she had few issues with it initially.

Instead, it was Muchova who struggled, winning just 33 percent her first-serve points in the set.

The Czech player finally held for 1-5 to avoid a dreaded bagel, but it just delayed the inevitable with Gauff taking the set in 30 minutes.

Muchova began with more intent in set two, holding then taking advantage as Gauff's serving yips returned to ease 2-0 ahead.

Gauff broke back but again failed to hold and Muchova took a set off her for the first time in her career.

The crucial moment in the third set came when Muchova spilled a forehand long on serve to give Gauff three break points in game three, with another loose shot from the Czech sealing her fate.

Gauff held serve for 4-1 and safely sealed the win on her fourth match point.

"She definitely elevated her game and I thought sometimes I was a bit passive, but it's really tough to play her," said Gauff.

"She plays with so much variety, you never know what you're going to do. I'm really happy to get through this one today."

Z.Phillips--SFF