Coco Gauff kicked off her 2025 season with a bang, leading Team USA to victory at the United Cup alongside Taylor Fritz. The young star, currently ranked No. 3 in the WTA, showcased her fierce competitiveness by defeating all five of her opponents, including world No. 2 Iga Swiatek from Poland. Gauff’s calm demeanor on the court and powerful moves were key to her success in the mixed-team event. As she prepares for the Australian Open in Melbourne, Gauff faces a new challenge with tough opponents in her draw.

Speaking on this on the Tennis Channel Live Podcast, Sam Querrey, Steve Weissman, and Shelby Rogers discussed the possible outcomes of the players set to compete at AO starting in just 3 days on Sunday. Coco Gauff is set to face a tough lineup, with Sofia Kenin in the first round. Kenin poses a significant threat to the 20-year-old as Weissman pointed out. He said, “Coco Gauff who meets the last American to win the Australian Open, that would be Sofia Kenin.”

Coco showed significant improvement after her early exit at the 2024 US Open, rebounding by clinching the China Open title against Karolina Muchova. This victory ended her title drought and made her the second American champion at this event, following Serena Williams. But with a favorable head-to-head record against Muchova, their upcoming match could add some heat.

Weissman further added, “In fact, Kenin is 2-in-1 Head-to-Head against Coco Gauff, either Wimbledon 2023 and on her way to the Australian Open title in 2020.” The R1 at AO would also be their first encounter in ten months. Their history includes three previous matches, with Kenin leading 2-1. Their first meeting was at the 2020 Australian Open, where Kenin claimed the title after defeating Garbine Muguruza in a convincing 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 win in two hours and three minutes.

Gauff and Kenin last faced each other at the 2024 Madrid Open in a doubles match, where Gauff partnered with Taylor Townsend to defeat Kenin and Bethanie Mattek-Sands in the round of 16 with a score of 6-2, 4-6, 10-8. This upcoming match at the Australian Open will be their first head-to-head encounter in ten months.

Despite her confidence and strong performance on the court, Gauff acknowledges the nerves that come with competing in the Grand Slams. She claims to draw inspiration from tennis legends and her favorite superhero to keep herself motivated as she enters the Australian Open.

Gauff to channel young Serena Williams and Spiderman in future events

Coco Gauff has made impressive progress in her game after facing criticism for her serve last season. Following a disappointing exit in the round of 16 at the 2024 US Open, she revamped her coaching staff by bringing in Matt Daly to replace Brad Gilbert. This change yielded immediate results, as Gauff clinched the WTA Tour Finals title and finished the year strong. She has carried that momentum into the new season, leading Team USA to the finals with standout performances.

The 2023 US Open champion captured her first Grand Slam at just 19, echoing Serena Williams‘ achievement when she won the 1999 US Open at 17. The Australian Open’s official Instagram shared a reel showcasing Gauff’s determination, where she expressed, “Winning a Grand Slam is the biggest shot that I dreamed. I do wanna win a Slam as a teenager and I did that.” Gauff believes her confidence will propel her through this year’s tournament as she prepares for her first-round match against Sofia Kenin.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Gauff’s playful side has captured attention as well. In a recent TikTok video posted by the Australian Open, she was seen having fun in the gym while imitating the superhero, leaving her trainer in splits. The video was captioned “This universe’s Spider-Man,” showcasing her youthful spirit. She has often expressed her admiration for Spider-Man, stating, “I guess in a very figurative way, Spider-Man himself is a teenager who does big things. And I’m a teenager who’s trying to do big things.”

With this blend of determination and fun, Gauff is set to make her mark at the Australian Open. Will this help propel her to a victory in what could be her first Australian Open Grand Slam title? What do you think?