Osaka, Swiatek, and Gauff Light Up Day One of the Australian Open 🎾
The Australian Open kicked off with a bang as tennis superstars Naomi Osaka, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff powered through their first-round matches, setting the tone for an electrifying tournament down under. 🇦🇺
Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, showed her class by defeating France's Caroline Garcia 6-3, 3-6, 6-3. Osaka avenged her defeat against Garcia from last year's first round at Melbourne Park, proving she's back and ready to conquer. Next up, she faces 20th seed Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic, who cruised past Argentina's Nadia Podoroska 6-1, 6-1. This matchup promises to be a thriller! 🔥
Meanwhile, world No. 1 Iga Swiatek showcased her dominance with a solid 6-3, 6-4 victory over the Czech Republic's Katerina Siniakova, the top-ranked doubles player. Swiatek is aiming for her first Australian Open title, hoping to go beyond her 2022 semifinal finish. \"For sure, it wasn't an easy first round, so I'm happy I got through,\" Swiatek said. \"I felt like she was playing really well and I knew I needed to be more proactive.\" 💪
Swiatek will next face Slovakia's Rebecca Sramkova, who battled back from a set down to defeat the USA's Katie Volynets. Fans are eager to see if Swiatek can continue her winning streak. 🏆
On the American front, third-seeded Coco Gauff continued her stellar form with a commanding 6-3, 6-3 win over fellow American and former champion Sofia Kenin. Fresh off her victory at the mixed-team United Cup, where she bested Swiatek in the final, Gauff is making a strong case as a top contender. \"I knew going in it was going to be difficult, but I'm happy with how I played,\" Gauff reflected after the match. ✨
Gauff, who clinched the season-ending WTA Finals last November before spearheading the USA's triumph at the United Cup, is on fire, and fans can't wait to see how far she'll go in Melbourne. Keep your eyes peeled because this tournament is just getting started! 👀
(With input from agencies)
Reference(s):
Osaka, Swiatek, Gauff begin Australian Open campaigns with wins
cgtn.com
