With the second-round matches underway on the women’s side at the 2021 Australian Open, there’s another blockbuster clash on the cards. Two-time Australian Open quarterfinalist Elina Svitolina will face teenager Coco Gauff in the second round at Melbourne Park.

Seeded No.5, Svitolina has had a decent start to the 2021 season, reaching the quarterfinals of Abu Dhabi and Gippsland Trophy event last week. The Ukrainian started her Australian Open campaign with a straight-sets victory over Maria Bouzkova and appears in suitable form ahead of her second-round clash.

On the other hand, Gauff has failed to move past the second round in any tournament since reaching the semifinals at the 2020 Top Seed Open. Although the American won her first-round match 6-3, 6-2 against Jil Teichmann and won a whopping 89% points off her first serve.

Elina Svitolina vs Coco Gauff Head-to-Head

This will be the duo’s first-ever meeting, hence the head-to-head stands on 0-0 currently. Since both players play incredibly well on hard courts, it will be interesting to witness who emerges as the winner of the battle.

Svitolina vs Gauff Prediction

Possessing a powerful service game, Svitolina has the weapon to trouble her next opponent. Svitolina displayed her prowess of turning defense into the offense during her opening match and copes up with pressure situations well. Notably, Svitolina has the ability to play aggressively from the baseline and grind down her opponents from the back of the court.

Gauff will have to return extremely well to neutralize the effect of Svitolina’s serve. However, Gauff’s on-court agility and powerful groundstrokes can sway the match in her favor. The American should leverage her shot selection skills and use drop shots effectively to keep Svitolina guessing.

However, Svitolina seems to have the upper hand and should most likely lay the Gauff challenge to rest.

Prediction: Elina Svitolina to win in three sets.