American star Coco Gauff began her Australian Open campaign with a 6-3, 6-3 win over former champion Sofia Kenin in a tricky opening contest at Melbourne Park on Monday.

Coco Gauff has made improvements to her serving and her forehand. And the strides in both of those areas are among the reasons she's considered one of the few women ready to challenge two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka for the title at the Australian Open.

MELBOURNE - Coco Gauff was given a solid workout by former champion Sofia Kenin but continued her lengthy winning streak to reach the second round of the Australian Open with a 6-3, 6-3 victory on Rod Laver Arena on Jan 13.