Top seeds Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff kicked off their Australian Open campaigns with impressive victories on Monday, signaling their intent to contend for the year’s first Grand Slam title.
World No.1 Iga Swiatek of Poland defeated Germany’s Jule Niemeier in a hard-fought match, securing a 6-4, 7-5 win. Swiatek, who reached the semifinals in Melbourne in 2022, showcased her resilience against Niemeier’s aggressive play.
“It was a tough match,” Swiatek said after her victory. “Jule played really strong, and I’m glad I managed to stay focused and find my rhythm.”
Meanwhile, American teenage sensation Coco Gauff cruised past Czech Republic’s Katerina Siniakova with a commanding 6-1, 6-4 win. The 19-year-old Gauff, seeded seventh, demonstrated her powerful groundstrokes and agility on the court.
“I’m happy with my performance today,” Gauff remarked. “Starting off strong in the first round gives me confidence moving forward.”
Both players are among the favorites to make deep runs in the tournament. Swiatek, a multiple Grand Slam champion, is aiming for her first Australian Open title, while Gauff continues to establish herself as a rising star in women’s tennis.
In other matches, former champion Sofia Kenin of the USA fell to Belarus’s Victoria Azarenka in straight sets, 6-4, 7-5, marking an early exit for the 2020 Australian Open winner.
The tournament continues as fans eagerly watch to see which players will advance and possibly claim the prestigious title at Melbourne Park.
Reference(s):
Osaka, Swiatek, Gauff begin Australian Open campaigns with wins
cgtn.com
