Gauff dismantles Russian woman encrypted in Uzbekistan at start of Aus Open

world number three Coco Gauff (USA) had a successful start to the 2026 Australian Open.

Americans were defeated in the first round Kamilla Rakhimov (Uzbekistan, WTA 93) In 1 hour 35 minutes.

Australian Open 2026. 1/64 finals

Coco Gauff (AMERICA) [3] – Kamilla Rakhimova (Uzbekistan) – 6:2, 6:3

Coco’s double fault problem hasn’t gone away; The American player scored seven points during the match.

Gauff is competing on Melbourne courts for the seventh time and has crossed the starting circle for the sixth time. Coco’s best result at the Aus Open is the 2024 semi-final.

Gauff’s next opponent at the Australian Open will be Olga Danilovic, who beat Venus Williams the day before.

Rakhimova represented Russia until November 2025, then switched to the flag of Uzbekistan.

Since 2000, Gauff has become one of four tennis players, along with Venus Williams, Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova, to have 75 or more Grand Slam singles victories at ages 21 and under.

Coco also earned his 250th career win at the Tour level. At 21 years and 311 days old, Gauff became the youngest tennis player to reach this milestone since Caroline Wozniacki (20 years and 316 days) in 2011.

Video review of the match

Photo gallery of the match