MATCH REPORT | 2024 Australian Open: Coco GAUFF asserts superiority over Anna SCHMIEDLOVA without reaching her peak form

Coco Gauff (No. 4) continues her winning streak, starting the 2024 Australian Open with a victory over Karolina Schmiedlova (No. 67) with a score of 6-3, 6-0. The 19-year-old began the season on a high note, securing the ASB Classic title for the second consecutive year with an impressive win in the final against the second seed Elina Svitolina (6-7, 6-3, 6-3).

Schmiedlova played several matches leading up to the Aussie Open, reaching the second round in Brisbane, where she was defeated by Veronika Kudermetova (6th seed). Later, in the Hobart Open, she advanced through the qualifiers to reach the octaves finals but was defeated by Elise Mertens.

Gauff started the match by winning nine consecutive points, securing her first two games. The early advantage she gained was crucial, as the following six consecutive games saw breaks for one of the two players. With the score 5-3 in her favor, Gauff defended her service after three failed attempts and closed the set 6-3.

Service deficiencies were evident for both players. Gauff had a 56% first serve, winning 57% of them and 45% with the second serve. On the other hand, Schmiedlova had a 45% accuracy with the first serve, winning only 33% of them and 9% with the second serve.

In the beginning of the second set, it was apparent that Gauff shook off the nerves from the first set and overcame the irregularities in her service. The American played from the baseline, capitalizing on errors in her opponent's backhand. Gauff showed renewed confidence, securing three consecutive breaks and, without a doubt, finishing the set without dropping games: 6-3, 6-0.

Gauff was more composed in the second set, maintaining her aggressiveness. While she had 8 winners and 11 unforced errors in the first set, she significantly improved in the second with 6 winners and only one unforced error. In the second round, she will face her compatriot Caroline Dolehide (No. 44), who comfortably defeated Leolia Jeanjean (No. 145) in the first round.