GAUFF TOUCHES ON 'WEIGHT OF PRESSURE';BREEZES PAST FORMER AO WINNER

Not often do you see two Grand Slam champions face off in the first-round of a Slam, let alone two country women, but that is exactly what happened today on Rod Laver Arena, with American third-seed Coco Gauff taking out 2020 Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin.

Kenin entered the battle with a 2-1 head-to-head record against the 2023 US Open champion. Their last match-up was in the 2023 Wimbledon first round, with Kenin winning in three sets. 

But Gauff proved too strong in crucial moments, setting up a second-round match against Great Britain’s Jodie Burrage. The 20-year-old is looking to improve on her semi-final appearance last year. 

Click here to watch live tennis on Stan Sport.

Gauff started the All-American battle with a break and a 2-0 lead straight out of the blocks. However, double faults and errors started to creep in and Kenin finally converted her third break point in the third game. 

Kenin consolidated with assertive tennis to level the score at 2-2. But Gauff held a tough service game, and errors off the Kenin racquet along with smart play allowed Gauff to break once again and lead 4-2. Kenin tried to add variety with loopy shots, but Gauff proved too solid from the baseline to serve out the set and take it six games to three.  

The second set followed in a similar fashion. Gauff held her first service game and broke Kenin to love to go up 2-1.

Kenin had some luck with the net cord and managed to hold. Gauff then held with a strong service game finished off by an ace to lead 4-2 once again. Kenin once again employed variety and used a drop shot to hold for 4-3. Gauff then fended off a 15-40 deficit to get one game away from taking the match. 

Gauff converted her second match point, with Kenin missing a short forehand long. Gauff was simply too solid taking the match with a pair of 6-3 sets in front of a roaring crowd. 

After the match, the reigning WTA Finals champion lamented that having so many top American women eases the pressure placed upon her. 

"I think it's actually a bit easier when you have so many top players from your same country because I guess the weight or pressure of your American tennis or country's tennis doesn't rely on you only," Gauff stated. 

She will look to continue her undefeated 2025 season in the hunt for her maiden title at Melbourne Park.

Tennis Coaches Australia, coaches supporting coaches, your voice, your network, stronger together" For all enquiries and membership go to tenniscoachesaustralia.au