In-form Coco Gauff overtakes Sofia Kenin to draw caution for Australian Open

Coco Gauff fired a warning shot at the Australian Open on Monday as she swept past former champion and fellow American Sofia Kenin in straight sets on Rod Laver Arena. The world number three, undefeated this year after leading the United States to win the United Cup, beat the 2020 Melbourne Park winner 6-3, 6-3 in 80 minutes. “I knew it was going to be difficult, but you know, I’m happy with the way I played,” said Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion who admitted to being troubled while serving under the fierce Melbourne sun.

“Maybe I could have made a better second serve, but from that side I was having trouble seeing the ball, so I was just happy I was able to manage that today.”

The courageous Kenin, ranked 74th, did not go down without a fight but was only able to convert one of her six break chances and had no answer to Gauff’s 28 winners.

Gauff will face Briton Jodie Burrage, 173rd, in the second round.

The American has enjoyed a scintillating run of form that has made her a major threat to two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka at Melbourne Park.

The two men are set to meet in the semi-final, which would be a repeat of their fourth meeting 12 months ago, when the Belarusian won in straight sets.

Gauff, 20, ended 2024 in style by winning the China Open and the season-ending WTA Tour Finals.

She took this form to Australia, winning all of her singles matches at the United Cup, including beating world number two Iga Swiatek in straight sets.

Gauff changed coaches in the fall after his U.S. Open defense fell flat, parting ways with Brad Gilbert and bringing in little-known Matt Daly.

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