But the World number three has now lost just one match since the US Open and added three more titles to her name since then, the China Open, the WTA Finals and the United Cup.

Gauff is poised to have a strong run at Melbourne Park, but she could be caused some serious problems with a tricky first round opponent.

As she aims for her first Australian Open title, The Tennis Gazette looks at three players who would have a shot at making Gauff’s stay in Melbourne a short one.

Who will Coco Gauff not want to play against in the first round of the Australian Open?

Naomi Osaka

With Naomi Osaka set to be unseeded, there is a chance she could be drawn against Gauff in the opening round of the Australian Open.

The 27-year-old has won the Grand Slam on two previous occasions and enjoys playing on hard courts with her aggressive style of play.

She has the ability to rush Gauff and out-hit her, and Osaka will be encouraged by reaching her first final since 2022 at the ASB Classic on Sunday. Gauff won their last encounter in Beijing after Osaka retired hurt with the score locked at a set apiece.

It was a very even encounter and Gauff will need to be at her athletic and resilient best to emerge victorious against an in-form and healthy Osaka.

Sofia Kenin

Like Osaka, Sofia Kenin has what it takes to win the Australian Open after claiming the title back in 2020.

She can raise her game against the top players, especially early in Grand Slams, as Gauff knows all too well.

The 26-year-old upset the World number three in the first round of the 2023 Wimbledon Championships, and ranked number 81, there is every chance they could be drawn to face each other again.

Furthermore, Gauff was one of the players Kenin defeated to win the Australian Open five years ago, and has won two of their three meetings.

Should they square off, Gauff will be ready for the challenge, and it will have all the ingredients for an epic encounter.

Amanda Anisimova

Amanda Anisimova began to find her form again in 2024, with her best result coming in Toronto, where she reached the final.

Her powerful game is a handful for opponents, including Gauff, who she defeated at Wimbledon in 2022.

Though she lost her opening match at the ASB Classic, the 23-year-old is into the quarter-finals of the Hobart International, one of the final events before the Australian Open commences on Sunday.

Anisimova is searching for the third WTA title of her career and a first since winning the Melbourne Summer set title in 2022, just before that year’s Australian Open.

She has beaten Gauff at Grand Slam before, and the World number 36 certainly has the game to cause more problems for reigning WTA Finals champion in a potential opening round clash in Australia.

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