'More aggressive' Talia Gibson the sole Aussie victor on Day 1

Talia Gibson celebrates after her first round victory at the AO. (Getty/Darrian Traynor)

In front of a packed KIA Arena, 21-year-old Australian Talia Gibson took down a former world No.34 to fly the flag for her nation on Day 1 of the Australian Open.

Gibson defeated Anna Blinkova in a dominant 6-1, 6-3 display, most notably firing 43 winners compared to her opponent's five.

"I knew that [in] this matchup today I was going to be the more aggressive player out on the court," said Gibson, who scored her second-ever main draw victory at a major. "So, I think that was exciting for me to be able to go out there and be in control of most of the points.

"That's really what I want when I look for a game like that. So, I'm really happy that I was able to execute my game."

The First Serve Live returns on Monday February 2nd at 8pm AEDT for its 18th year on the SEN Network/App, Australia's only dedicated weekly tennis program on commercial radio running through till the end of November.

This time 12 months ago, Gibson won her maiden Grand Slam singles main draw match against Zeynep Sönmez, before going down in straight sets to former world No.2 Paula Badosa.

But it's those past experiences, along with another full year on the WTA circuit, which helped Gibson get over the line to book back-to-back second round berths at Melbourne Park.

"[I] learned a huge amount, and I think the biggest thing is how much damage I can do with my game," she said. "I've been able to learn so much and grow mentally as well as physically.

"I find myself in positions a lot of the time being in control of points and everything like that and giving myself a lot of opportunities on the court."

The West Aussie awaits the winner of the matchup between two-time Slam champion Barbora Krejčíková and 23rd seed Diana Shnaider.

Nine Aussies are in action on Day 2, headlined by main hope Alex de Minaur against Lucky Loser Mackenzie McDonald on Rod Laver Arena.

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