Two-time major champion Coco Gauff has begun her quest for a maiden Australian Open title with a 6-2 6-3 victory over Kamilla Rakhimova.
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Kicking off Monday’s day session in warm conditions at Rod Laver Arena, the third seed overcame any doubts sown by seven double faults to secure her first win of AO 2026 in one hour and 39 minutes.
“I try not to put so much pressure on myself with the first round”, AO 2024 semifinalist Gauff said. “I just want to win the tournament, so whether I lose first round or in the finals, I don’t think I would be as satisfied so until then, I’m only okay.”
“Winning is the only satisfying result, but that doesn’t mean I’m not proud of myself throughout the tournament.”
“I’ll only be satisfied if I win.”
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The ambitious American, testing life as a redhead, debuted a lilac ensemble that matched her racquet.
After pouncing on an early break, Gauff showed that she’s yet to shrug off the service woes that plagued her last season, serving back-to-back double faults. Though she regrouped to save two break points and broke again for a 3-0 lead, the American conceded her next service game, allowing her 24-year-old rival onto the scoreboard.
Withstanding a barrage of Gauff’s powerful trademark backhands, Rakhimova fended off three set points to secure her first service hold at 2-5. With the set on her own racquet, Gauff honed her focus.
The reigning Roland Garros champion delivered an unreturnable serve down the tee to close out the set and took the opportunity to fire off several practice serves when her Uzbekistani opponent left the court for a quick bathroom break.
Rakhimova, pursuing her second-ever win over a top five player, chased down lobs and a string of well-placed drop shots to no avail as Gauff surged to a 5-1 lead in the second. She drew cheers from an encouraging crowd as she survived a four-deuce game to hold, forcing Gauff to serve for the match.
A seventh double fault from America’s top-ranked female and concession of a break handed Rakhimova a lifeline, but it was short-lived – Gauff earned her sixth break of the match moments later to seal the first of seven victories required for her to lift the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup next Saturday.
“I would’ve rather held serve in that one game, but I think it’s the beauty of being a good returner, you know that you have a good high chance of breaking in almost every game,” she said.
“I thought I did well, I didn’t rush the point[s], she plays really low, so just tried my best to get the ball up.
“As the match went on, I just told myself to accelerate on my serve more,” she added. “When that happens, I get more speed and velocity, so I think [in] the next match I'll try and start quicker than I did today.”
The victory, her 75th at Grand Slam level, earns Gauff a second-round clash against southpaw Olga Danilovic. The pair’s first meeting follows the Serb’s three-set triumph over seven-time major champion Venus Williams on Sunday.
“I did practise with [left-handed] Alex Eala earlier, so hopefully that practice will help me...playing with a lefty, there’s not many on tour.”
“Olga’s a great player, she’s beat some top players especially at this tournament so it’s going to be a tough match but I’m looking forward to it.”
Before encountering Danilovic, who conquered Gauff’s countrywoman Jessica Pegula in the third round of AO 2025, Gauff plans to watch some college football. Her favourite team, the Miami Hurricanes, take on the Indiana Hoosiers on Tuesday.
“My practice is at 12:00, and I think the game starts at 11:30 - may have to change that,” she said, smiling.