Coco Gauff has begun her quest for a maiden Australian Open title with a straight sets victory over Sofia Kenin on Monday.
The American third seed eased her way to a 6-3, 6-3 victory over her compatriot, who lifted the Melbourne title five years ago in 2020. Gauff was only broken once in the match and produced 28 winners. She has now won her last 34 matches played against players ranked outside the top 50 on the Tour and has won 11 out of her last 12 first-round matches played at Grand Slam events.
“When I saw the draw, I was, like, it’s not a great first round,” said Gauff.
“She’s one of those people that she can play great tennis. She’s obviously won this tournament before, but, I just think of the positives of if you get through that, then you kind of have a set the tone for having a high level throughout the tournament.”
Gauff, who will turn 21 in March, is hoping to continue her winning momentum in Melbourne after ending 2024 by capturing the WTA Finals title before starting this year by lifting the United Cup trophy. She is aiming to become the third American woman to win the Australian Open over the past 20 years after Serena Williams and Kenin.
During her latest match, Gauff channeled her inner superhero by taking to the court wearing her new outfit that was inspired by the Marvel franchise.
“A lot of the female superheroes have cool cut outs on their outfits, that’s what I wanted to do,” Gauff explains.
“It’s actually kind of a pain to get into because it is a body suit guys so I have to put the bottom part first and then pull it over my head it’s kind of a struggle if you can’t hold your bladder its also not a good idea but you have to sacrifice for fashion.
“The skirt I like to wear cargo pants so we made like a cargo skirt my shoes are inspired by basketball shoes because that’s the sport my dad wanted me to play but I’m glad I chose tennis.”
The next challenge for Gauff will be a showdown against Great Britain’s Jodie Burrage who defeated French qualifier Leolia Jeanjean 6-2, 6-4. Burrage has been troubled by injury issues with her wrist and ankle in recent months. It is only the third time she has won a main draw match at a Grand Slam.
“It will be fun,” Burrage said of her upcoming clash with Gauff.
“I’m going to take it to her, see if I can get more games than last time, which wasn’t very many.
“I feel like I’m in a different spot to the last time I played her. It will be interesting.
“I have not hit on any of the big courts, so I need to try and do that, as well. Obviously, it will be very different in a stadium but what an opportunity. I’ll go out and I’ll take it to her and see if I can do some damage.”
