American star Coco Gauff began her Australian Open campaign with a 6-3, 6-3 win over former champion Sofia Kenin in a tricky opening contest at Melbourne Park on Monday.

Gauff, who played a key role in the United States’ United Cup victory last week, eased past her fellow American Kenin, the winner of the 2020 Australian Open.

The 20-year-old Gauff overcame a shaky start and a total of 32 unforced errors and nine double faults to secure her 11th first-round win at a major in the last 12 Grand Slams.

“Honestly, when I saw the draw, I was, like, it’s not a great first round,” Gauff told reporters after the match, which she wrapped up in 80 minutes.

“She [Kenin] is one of those people that can play great tennis. She’s obviously won this tournament before.

“I just think of the positives of if you get through that, then you have set the tone for having a high level throughout the tournament.”

Sunny Affair

Playing under the midday Melbourne sun at the Rod Laver Arena, Gauff said she faced some trouble when serving.

“It’s kind of weird. On the first (serve) you can change your toss a little bit, and you go for more,” said Gauff.

“But on the second it was a bit tougher. That was kind of right where the sun was.

“I think it’s one of those things that I have to make a game-time decision and figure out how I want to tackle that.”

Marvel-Inspired Outfit

During an on-court interview, Gauff also spoke about her new outfit which is inspired by her favorite Marvel superheroes.

The American wore a new custom kit designed by her apparel sponsor New Balance – a white bodysuit coupled with a green skirt.

“This outfit, I’m a huge Marvel fan, and a lot of the female superheroes have cool cutouts on their outfits, so that’s what I wanted to do,” Gauff explained.

“It is a bodysuit, so I have to put the bottom part on first and pull it over my head, so it’s kind of struggle.

“If you can’t hold your bladder, it’s also not a good idea, but you have to sacrifice for fashion!”

What’s Next For Gauff?

Gauff, unbeaten in 2025 so far, will face Great Britain’s Jodie Burrage in the second round on Wednesday. The world No. 3 is bidding for her first Australian Open title, with her best-finish coming last year in the semi-finals.

Gauff rose to fame in 2019 as a 15-year-old qualifier at Wimbledon in 2019 when she reached the fourth round after knocking out veteran player Venus Williams in straight sets. She then went on to win her first Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open 2023. Last year, in November, Gauff won the WTA Finals title.

Later on Monday at the Australian Open, world No.2 Iga Swiatek registered her 23rd first-round win at a major with a 6-3, 6-4 triumph over 50th-ranked Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic.

Defending champion and top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka and reigning Paris Olympics champion Zheng Qinwen also recorded first-round victories on Sunday.