Gauff sets up Melbourne clash with Osaka

WILLIAM WEST / AFP

Fifteen-year-old Coco Gauff has set up a thrilling clash with defending champion Naomi Osaka in Melbourne.

She saw off Romania's Sorana Cirstea 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 in two hours and six minutes.

"It's amazing," said Gauff. "Honestly, I didn't think I would get so much support in Australia. I was down 3-0 and you really made me believe."

Despite an angry outburst, Osaka defeated Saisai Zheng 6-2, 6-4 in one-hour-and-20 minutes.

"I just wanted to fight," said Osaka, adding, "I've been in this position before on this court and I was thinking that I really don't want to play the third set this time."

Osaka

Meanwhile, world number one Ashleigh Barty also progressed into the third round with 6-1, 6-4 victory over Slovenia's Polona Hercog.

Caroline Wozniacki also progressed with 7-5, 7-5 victory over Ukrainian 23rd seed Dayana Yastremska.

More from Sports