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Swiatek Tested, Gauff Cruises Into Australian Open Round Two as Rivalry Narrative Evolves

Gauff’s renewed belief contrasts with Swiatek’s push for a first Australian Open crown.

Overview

  • Iga Swiatek beat qualifier Yuan Yue 7-6(5), 6-3 to reach round two after trailing 3-5 in the first set and will next face Marie Bouzkova.
  • Coco Gauff opened with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Kamilla Rakhimova, recovering from early serving jitters to secure her 75th major match victory.
  • Analysts questioned Swiatek’s approach after she logged 35 unforced errors, including 21 in the first set, and urged a steadier balance between control and aggression.
  • Gauff said she has erased the prior ‘mental deficit’ against Swiatek, a mindset shift that has helped cut the head-to-head from 11-1 to 11-5.
  • Swiatek downplayed the rivalry ledger, saying each meeting is a separate story, as the two occupy opposite halves of the draw with Gauff on a potential semifinal path toward Aryna Sabalenka.