Coco Gauff was given a solid workout by former champion Sofia Kenin but continued her lengthy winning streak to reach the second round of the Australian Open with a 6-3 6-3 victory on Rod Laver Arena on Monday.
The third seed, who led the United States to a United Cup triumph in Sydney to kick off her season, was troubled as much by the bright sunshine and her own errors as Kenin's game in a tricky first set, which she won with an ace after 44 minutes.
Kenin, who beat Gauff on her way to the title at Melbourne Park in 2020, again blew hot and cold to keep things interesting in the second set but dropped her head after failing to break back for 4-4.
Former U.S. Open champion Gauff pounced to break her fellow American for a fourth time in the match and secured her 10th straight singles victory when Kenin sent a wild forehand well wide of the tramlines.
"It was a tough match for me today but I'm happy with how I played. I could have served better but I could hardly see at (one) end," said the 20-year-old, who mixed 12 aces with nine double faults over the match.
Gauff, whose best performance in Melbourne was her semi-final loss to eventual champion Aryna Sabalenka last year, will next face Britain's Jodie Burrage.
Swiatek delivers unconvincing win to reach second round in Melbourne
World number two Iga Swiatek advanced to the second round of the Australian Open with an unconvincing 6-3 6-4 win against first-time opponent Katerina Siniakova on John Cain Arena.
Swiatek struggled to find the deliberate rhythm that has helped win her five Grand Slam titles as her Czech opponent, a doubles specialist, put up some stiff resistance.
"For sure it wasn't an easy first round so I'm happy I got through," said the 23-year-old Pole.
"I felt like she was playing really well and I knew I needed to be more proactive and I was that way (in the end)."
Her hesitant win against the 50th-ranked Siniakova was nonetheless popular with the many Polish fans who always provide her with strong support in Melbourne.
Swiatek, who served a one-month doping ban around the WTA Finals last November, thanked the fans on court before revealing that she listened to hard rock before coming out for her match.
Swiatek could go back to the top of the world rankings if there are early exits for Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff but the priority for the Pole would surely be to add a first Australian Open title to her four French Open and single U.S. Open crowns.
Swiatek, whose best performance on the Australian Open's hardcourts was a semi-final loss to American Danielle Collins in 2022, will play Rebecca Sramkova of Slovakia in the second round.
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