Coco Gauff has begun her journey at the 2026 Australian Open with the opening-round match against Russian-Uzbek player Kamilla Rakhimova at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park. The confident 21-year-old who had previously performed well at the United Cup for Team USA is aiming to win her first Australian Open title and the third Grand Slam overall.
Last year’s Roland Garros champion didn’t play in either Brisbane or Adelaide after the United Cup in Perth solely to focus on her preparations for the first Major of the year. Gauff could have a smooth run till the fourth round, after which she could be on a collision course with either Mirra Andreeva or Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinals.
Subsequently, she could face Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals and potentially World No. 2 Iga Swiatek in the Finals, who she had earlier defeated in straight sets during the semifinals between the USA and Poland at the United Cup.
While Gauff has been in full preparation mode, she hasn’t shied away from expressing how she spends her free time off court, relaxing and watching a highly acclaimed sports series, ‘Heated Rivalry.’
The American had previously stated that she was awestruck by the show, giving it a 10/10 rating, and has now invited the show’s protagonists to watch her play at the Australian Open. “Hi, Connor [Storrie] and Hudson [Williams]. My name is Coco, I am tennis’ number one ‘Heated Rivalry’ fan. Please come to my match and watch me play, that’s all I have to say. Love you guys,” said Gauff in an offbeat pre-tournament interview.
Coco Gauff Beats Kamilla Rakhimova to Advance to the Second Round of the Australian Open
Gauff breezed past her first-round opponent in straight sets, dispatching her 6-2, 6-3 in 1 hr and 39 minutes on Monday. The American allowed only one break of serve while she broke Rakhimova’s serve thrice in four attempts. In addition, Gauff won a total of 33 points, hitting eight winners in complete domination on the center court.
The two-time Grand Slam champion will now be taking on Olga Danilovic in the second round on Wednesday. Danilovic had sealed a comeback win against the veteran Venus Williams in round 1, thereby denying Gauff the chance for an epic showdown against the 45-year-old.
The 21-year-old is now 4-1 to start the new year with all results coming on the hard surfaces. Her previous three wins on the Australian swing came at the United Cup, where she defeated Swiatek, Maria Sakkari, and Solana Sierra.
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