Australian Open 2021: Coco Gauff revels in first-round victory in front of ‘younger’ fans on ‘People’s Court’

Teenager saw off Jil Teichman to advance at the first Grand Slam of the year

Melanie Burton
Tuesday 09 February 2021 08:45 GMT
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Coco Gauff earned a straight-sets win in the first round in Melbourne
Coco Gauff earned a straight-sets win in the first round in Melbourne (Getty Images)

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Coco Gauff said she felt right at home in front of the young fans in the John Cain Arena as she defeated Jil Teichmann 6-3 6-2 to ease into the second round of the Australian Open on Tuesday.

The recently renamed showcourt at Melbourne Park, sometimes called the "People's Court" as cheaper ticket prices make it accessible to a younger demographic, can also make for a rowdier atmosphere.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, crowd numbers were again low on Tuesday but there were still enough youthful fans on hand to give 16-year-old Gauff a rousing cheer after a routine victory over her Swiss rival.

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"I think this is my favourite court to play on," the American, the youngest player in the main draw, said on court.

"I was told that this arena has a lot of younger people. I'm 16, so it's good to see some people in the crowd that's around my age, they tend to be a little bit louder so that's why I like it."

The teenager will next play Elina Svitolina, and the Ukrainian fifth seed will be well aware that Gauff stunned Venus Williams, Sorana Cirstea and Naomi Osaka in her first Australian Open campaign last year.

"I'm going to go out there and have fun and compete," Gauff said.

"She's a great player and I know it's going to be a tough match, but I'm just going to embrace the opportunity and try to play well under the pressure."

Crowds at Melbourne Park have been restricted to 30,000 each day this year because of biosecurity protocols, but that capacity looks unlikely to be reached over the first two days.

The three-week delay to the tournament also means that many younger fans who might have wanted to cheer on Gauff are now back at school after their January vacations.

"I know the stands aren't as full because of the situation that is going on in the world but I'm happy that you guys came out to watch me play – so thanks!" Gauff added.

Reuters

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