MELBOURNE, Australia – Coco Gauff began her Australian Open campaign with a solid performance, overcoming an early service game loss to defeat 2020 champion Sofia Kenin 6-3, 6-3 on Monday at Rod Laver Arena. The third-seeded Gauff, fresh off her WTA Finals victory in November and instrumental in the U.S. team’s success at the United Cup last week, has positioned herself for a potential ascension to the top of the world rankings this season.
Dressed in a Marvel-inspired bodysuit and skirt, Gauff exuded confidence as she navigated through the challenges presented by the sun on the court. “I knew going in it was going to be difficult, but I’m happy with how I played,” she remarked after the match, acknowledging her struggle with visibility on one side of the court. Despite these obstacles, Gauff successfully managed to find her rhythm, showcasing her skills with five aces and a total of 12 throughout the match, even as she faced seven breakpoints.
Kenin, currently ranked No. 81, proved to be a formidable opponent, reflecting the competitive nature of the tournament. This marked Kenin’s fourth consecutive first-round exit at the Australian Open, a tough reality after facing formidable challengers in previous years.
In a notable highlight of the day, 20-year-old Alex Michelsen pulled off a significant upset by defeating 2023 Australian Open runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas. He secured his first top-20 victory with a score of 7-5, 6-3, 2-6, 6-4, demonstrating the rising talent in American tennis.
Gauff’s next challenge will come against Britain’s Jodie Burrage in the upcoming round. With other top players including Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Iga Swiatek set to compete shortly, the excitement in Melbourne continues to build.
This strong start by Gauff illustrates a promising outlook for her 2024 season as she aims to extend her winning streak, particularly against opponents outside the top 50. Her ability to adapt and succeed under pressure positions her well for a competitive run in this Grand Slam event.