Australian Open 2023: Coco Gauff beats Katerina Siniakova
No.7 seed Coco Gauff opened her 2023 Australian Open drive with a straight-set win over the Czech Republic’s Katerina Siniakova at the Rod Laver Arena.
The 18-year-old American advanced to the second round with a 6-1, 6-4 victory. Gauff will face 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu next.
Playing in her fourth Australian Open, Gauff opened up play and advanced through the first set in just 22 minutes.
After winning the longest rally of the match and breaking Gauff to lead 4-2, Siniakova came back in the second set and seemed poised to force a third set. However, the lead was short-lived.
Gauff instantly broke again, making a chance to serve out the victory. Before the American sealed the win, volley winner in the longest game, Siniakova fought bravely.
Gauff said, “Really pleased with me. Katerina is a fighter, I knew she was going to fight until the last point, and she proved that today. I’m glad I stayed mentally right there.”