Coco Gauff made a strong start to her Australian Open campaign with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over 2020 champion Sofia Kenin. Despite facing initial challenges, including a sun-drenched baseline that made visibility difficult, Gauff quickly found her rhythm and showcased her remarkable talent on the court.
The third-seeded Gauff, who won the WTA Finals last November and contributed to a recent United Cup victory for the U.S., displayed confidence in her Marvel-inspired bodysuit and skirt. Reflecting on her performance, Gauff acknowledged the difficulty of the match but expressed satisfaction with how she managed the conditions, particularly after dropping an early service game.
In this encounter, Gauff recorded 12 aces while overcoming moments of inconsistency, including nine double faults. She saved seven out of eight breakpoints faced, underlining her resilience throughout the match. Meanwhile, Kenin, despite her lower ranking of No. 81, proved to be a formidable opponent, but Gauff’s ability to adapt allowed her to control the play effectively.
In another highlight, American Alex Michelsen achieved a significant milestone by defeating 2023 Australian runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas in a four-set bout, marking his first victory over a top-20 player.
As Gauff progresses, she is set to meet Jodie Burrage of Britain in her next match, while other seeded players, including Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek, will also be in action.
Overall, this tournament marks a new beginning for Gauff as she aims to build on her recent successes. With her evident determination and skill, she has a promising chance of continuing to excel in the tournament.
Summary: Coco Gauff secured a solid win against Sofia Kenin in the first round of the Australian Open, displaying skill under challenging sunlit conditions. She will aim for further success as she faces Jodie Burrage next, while other top players also compete in the tournament.