Kenin, Muguruza power through to second round at Australian Open

Play resumed at Melbourne Park on Tuesday as last year's finalists; Sofia Kenin and Garbine Muguruza, booked their spots in the second round at the 2021 Australian Open.

Kenin kicked off her title defense with a 7-5 6-4 victory over Australian wildcard Maddison Inglis, overcoming an early break in the first set before eventually seizing control. Inglis, spurred on by her home crowd, attempted a comeback in the second but the defending champion proved to be too much, winning the match in an hour and 26 minutes.

The World No.4 will face the winner between Anastasija Sevastova and Gippsland Trophy runner-up Kaia Kanepi in the second round.

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Conversely, Muguruza began her quest to reach her second consecutive Australian Open final with a 6-4 6-0 drubbing of Russian Margarita Gasparyan on Margaret Court Arena. Last year's runner-up overpowered Gasparyan, dictating play from the baseline before finishing points at the net.

The World No.14 improved her first round record at the Australian Open to 9-0, and next faces the winner between qualifier Ludmilla Samsonova and compatriot Paula Badosa.

Click here for real-time scores of the Australian Open.

#AusOpen on Twitter: "Mission accomplished 💥 Our 2020 finalist @GarbiMuguruza is through to the second round after dispatching Gasparyan 6-4 6-0. #AusOpen | #AO2021 https://t.co/GwoXbRSwA4" / Twitter