Australian Open Day 2 began in a thumping manner for Coco Gauff as she stunned former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin in straight sets at the iconic Rod Laver Arena in just one hour and 20 minutes. The match finished 6-3, 6-3, leveling their head-to-head 2-2. However, what’s the secret mantra? Well, it is “mixing the serves” as per Gauff’s own admission. And the way she did it! Hear from Gauff herself:

Coco Gauff continued her impressive form, extending her winning streak to six singles matches without dropping a set, this time defeating Sofia Kenin. While the first set was a tight affair, with both players struggling to hold serve(Gauff committing 32 unforced errors and nine double faults), Gauff ultimately prevailed, 6-3.

Despite six double faults in the opening set, she compensated with 12 aces and a strong service game towards the end. Gauff outclassed Kenin in winners (28-14) and saved five of the six break points she faced, including a crucial hold in the eighth game of the second set to maintain her dominance.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Coco, who achieved 11th first-round win at a major in the last 12 Slams with this victory, was asked about how she dealt with Kenin, and especially how she managed to get maximum aces points.

“Well, before preparing my match I didn’t like they didn’t prep me on that like saying she’s easier to get Ace. Going into the match I didn’t really know that I guess but I mean it makes sense I don’t know I mean I did not notice that she was guessing a lot on my serves, so I think you know obviously when a person starts guessing it’s kind of like you feel good because it’s kind of like you don’t know where you’re serving,” she said.

Coco added, “So yeah I mean I’ve always known her to be a good returner so I never knew that that was that stat against her but yeah I think today I don’t know I just felt like she was guessing and I did a good job of mixing my serve up especially on the Deuce side I don’t think she knew and sometimes I barely knew where I was serving”.

And, as the match ended, Coco also added her remarks about how she felt about her draw with Sofia in the first place. “Honestly, when I saw the draw, I was, like, it’s not a great first round. She is one of those people that can play great tennis. She’s obviously won this tournament before. I just think of the positives of if you get through that, then you have set the tone for having a high level throughout the tournament” she added at the press conference.

And next in the queue is 173 seed Jodie Anna Burrage, who Coco had once beaten 6-1, 6-1 in the second round of Rothesay International – Eastbourne in 2023. And Coco being Coco, just after the match, she took some time off to watch some animated movies to chill!

Coco puts her 2-day break before AO second round to best use

Who doesn’t want to take time off after a grueling match under the sun? Well, Coco certainly does! Following her empathic win against her fellow countryman Sofia Kenin, the American teenager is on a two-day break till her next match on January 15th.

She went straight to cinema and watched the $500 million movie, “Mufasa – The Lion King,” at a Melbourne cinema hall. “Lol one thing about me if I play first on I will most likely be going to a movie after the match. This was good! I enjoyed it,” Coco posted on her Instagram story. 

Following her match, she gained heavy attention for her AO kit. A white bodysuit featuring side cut-outs and an open-back design. And, as the match ended, she explained her fashion sense to her fans while talking to Laura Robson, the in-court interview after the match.

“I’m a huge Marvel fan, and a lot of the female superheroes have cool cut-outs on their outfits. That’s what I wanted to do. New Balance has great designers; it’s actually kind of a pain to get into because it is a bodysuit, guys! I have to put the bottom part on first and pull it over my head. It’s kind of a struggle, and if you can’t hold your bladder, it’s also not a good idea…A couple of times I’ve had to ask the referee to help unzip me to use the bathroom! You have to sacrifice for fashion!” she added.

In addition, she did not hesitate to add comments to her father’s tribute. “My shoes are inspired by basketball shoes because that’s the sport my dad wanted me to play,” before clarifying, “I’m glad I chose tennis!”, she quoted. In addition, she also posted about how to wear this stuff on two back-to-back Instagram stories, followed by congratulating her parents on their 24th anniversary.

Can Coco continue her winning streak in the second round? Let us know in the comments section below!