The victory marked the American youngsters's 75th career Grand Slam match win and improved her first-round Slam record to 23\u20134. Despite serving struggles that included seven double faults, Gauff controlled the match, overcoming early pressure and closing it out in 1 hour and 39 minutes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI try not to put so much pressure on myself with the first round. I just want to win the tournament, so whether I lose first round or in the finals, I don\u2019t think I would be as satisfied so until then, I\u2019m only okay. Winning is the only satisfying result, but that doesn\u2019t mean I\u2019m not proud of myself throughout the tournament. I\u2019ll only be satisfied if I win,\u201d Gauff said after the game.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rakhimova showed resilience against Gauff, saving three set points to hold serve at 2\u20135 in the opening set, but the latter stayed composed and sealed it with an unreturnable serve.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In the second set, Rakhimova chased down lobs and drop shots and earned crowd support, yet Gauff\u2019s consistency proved decisive as she surged to a 5\u20131 lead. Although a double fault and brief lapse gave the Uzbek a short opening, the American immediately broke back, securing her sixth break of the match and closing out a confident straight-sets victory to launch her Australian Open title bid.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI would\u2019ve rather held serve in that one game, but I think it\u2019s the beauty of being a good returner; you know that you have a good high chance of breaking in almost every game. I thought I did well; I didn\u2019t rush the points. She plays really low, so I just tried my best to get the ball up,\u201d the 2024 semifinalist said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Gauff's victory set up her second-round match against left-handed Olga Danilovic. Their first encounter comes after Danilovic\u2019s three-set win over seven-time major winner Venus Williams on Sunday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI would\u2019ve rather held serve in that one game, but I think it\u2019s the beauty of being a good returner; you know that you have a good high chance of breaking in almost every game. I thought I did well; I didn\u2019t rush the points. She plays really low, so I just tried my best to get the ball up,\u201d the 2024 semifinalist said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAs the match went on, I just told myself to accelerate on my serve more. When that happens, I get more speed and velocity, so I think in the next match I'll try and start quicker than I did today,\u201d Gauff added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n