"Despite her usual serving difficulties at the beginning and end of the match, Gauff completely outmatched her Uzbek challenger from the baseline with her supreme defensive skills and court sense, smartly choosing her moments to step inside the baseline and dictate. Afterwards, Gauff explained how her ambitions have helped her to manage the nerves that come with first round grand slam matches:"
"I have lost in first rounds before and I've always been able to pick it up so I try not to put so much pressure on myself in the first rounds. I think at this point, I just want to win the tournament. So whether I lose first round or in the final, I think that will be as satisfying. So, until then, it's OK."
Coco Gauff, the third seed, beat Kamilla Rakhimova 6-2, 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena to reach the Australian Open second round. Gauff dominated from the baseline with strong defensive skills, court sense, and well-timed aggression despite early and late serving difficulties. She described managing first-round nerves by focusing on long-term goals and said she wants to win the tournament, accepting satisfaction whether she loses early or in a final. Gauff spent the past five months remodelling her serve, split with coach Matt Daly, and hired biomechanics specialist Gavin MacMillan. She will next face Olga Danilovic.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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