MELBOURNE — Coco Gauff launched her campaign for a maiden Australian Open title with a mix of grit and firepower on Monday, overcoming a shaky serving performance to defeat Kamilla Rakhimova 6-2, 6-3. The world No. 3’s victory headlined a dominant Day 2 for the American contingent at Melbourne Park, with fellow contenders Jessica Pegula and Amanda Anisimova also securing emphatic straight-set wins to reach the second round.

Gauff Survives Early Scare to Advance

While the scoreline suggests a routine day at the office, Gauff’s opener was anything but straightforward. The 21-year-old American, looking to improve on her quarterfinal run from last year, struggled to find her rhythm from the service line. She committed seven double faults in total—six of them coming in a tense first set where she had to save five of six break points.

Despite the service hiccups, Gauff’s ground game was lethal. She rallied from a break down early in the first set to reel off five consecutive games, showcasing the defensive prowess that has made her a two-time Grand Slam champion. "I think I did a good job of just staying in the moment," Gauff said in her on-court interview. "The serve wasn't where I wanted it to be today, but I'm happy I could problem-solve and get through in straight sets."

Gauff now turns her attention to the second round, where she will face Serbia’s Olga Danilovic, a crafty left-hander who eliminated Venus Williams on Sunday.

Jessica Pegula Cruises in Clinical Display

In stark contrast to Gauff’s battling performance, sixth-seeded Jessica Pegula was the definition of efficiency. The American veteran needed just over an hour to dismantle Russia’s Anastasia Zakharova 6-2, 6-1. Pegula, who reached the semifinals here in 2025, looked sharp from the first ball, hitting 10 winners and dominating the baseline exchanges.

Pegula’s serve was impenetrable, winning over 80% of her first-serve points and never allowing Zakharova a foothold in the match. It was a statement win for the 31-year-old, who is eyeing another deep run at a major. "I felt really clean out there," Pegula noted. "First rounds are always tricky with the nerves, but I settled in quickly and played my game."

Anisimova Continues Resurgence

Rounding out the trio of top American victories was No. 4 seed Amanda Anisimova, who powered past Switzerland’s Simona Waltert 6-3, 6-2. Anisimova, fresh off a stellar 2025 season that saw her reach the finals at both Wimbledon and the US Open, brought her trademark aggressive hitting to Margaret Court Arena.

The 24-year-old struck the ball with devastating pace, breaking Waltert four times and keeping the points short. Her return to form has been one of the biggest stories in tennis over the last 12 months, and she looks poised to be a serious title threat this fortnight.

Mixed Fortunes for Other Americans

While the top seeds flourished, it was a mixed bag for the rest of the U.S. lineup. Peyton Stearns delivered a solid performance to knock out fellow American and 2020 champion Sofia Kenin, 6-3, 6-2. Kenin’s struggles at the site of her greatest triumph continued, marking her fifth consecutive first-round exit at the Australian Open.

Elsewhere, No. 15 seed Emma Navarro suffered a shock upset, falling in three sets to Poland’s Magda Linette. Navarro, who broke into the top 20 last season, couldn't capitalize on her opportunities in the decider, bowing out early in a disappointing start to her Grand Slam year.

Looking Ahead to Round 2

With the first hurdle cleared, the focus shifts to Wednesday’s second-round matchups. Gauff’s clash with Danilovic promises to be a tactical battle, especially given the Serb’s recent form. Meanwhile, Pegula and Anisimova will look to maintain their momentum as the draws begin to tighten. For American tennis fans, Day 2 offered plenty of reasons for optimism, with the country's top stars looking ready to challenge for the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup.