Third seed Coco Gauff navigated a tricky start to her 2026 Australian Open campaign on Monday, defeating Kamilla Rakhimova 6-2, 6-3 despite a flurry of early double faults.
Gauff's Service Struggles and Second-Round Challenge
The American star, a two-time Grand Slam champion, registered six double faults in the opening set on Rod Laver Arena. This reflected a known issue, as Gauff recorded a tour-high 431 double faults during the previous season.
"I mean, it was just the first set," Gauff explained post-match. "Only had one double in the second. I think both of us were struggling on the far side with the sun." She noted that after a first game featuring three doubles, her performance became "pretty much smooth sailing."
Gauff has been actively refining her serve and even practised during a comfort break. She now faces a second-round test against left-handed Serbian Olga Danilovic, who ended 45-year-old Venus Williams's run. "There's not many lefties on Tour," Gauff acknowledged, "but Olga's a great player... it's going to be a tough match."
Mixed Fortunes in Women's and Men's Draws
Elsewhere in the women's singles, several seeds progressed comfortably. Fourth seed Amanda Anisimova, a finalist at the last two majors, beat Simona Waltert 6-3, 6-2. Sixth seed Jessica Pegula and 14th seed Clara Tauson also secured straight-sets victories.
However, there were notable early exits. 2020 champion Sofia Kenin suffered her fifth consecutive first-round loss in Melbourne, falling to fellow American Peyton Stearns. Fifteenth seed Emma Navarro was also ousted by Poland's Magda Linette.
The opening day was marred by physical distress, leading to multiple retirements. Australian Priscilla Hon advanced after her opponent, Marina Stakusic, retired with severe leg cramps and left the court in a wheelchair. In the men's draw, seventh seed Felix Auger-Aliassime retired against Portugal's Nuno Borges due to cramping. "I can’t recall ever in my life cramping this early in a tournament," a frustrated Auger-Aliassime stated.
Wawrinka Begins Farewell Tour with Gritty Win
In a highlight of the men's singles, 2014 champion Stan Wawrinka began what he has announced will be his final season on tour with a hard-fought victory. The Swiss veteran overcame Laslo Djere 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (4) in a compelling battle.
Other men's seeds enjoyed smoother passages. Three-time Australian Open runner-up Daniil Medvedev beat Jesper de Jong, while sixth seed and local hope Alex de Minaur delivered a commanding straight-sets win over Mackenzie McDonald.
