Gauff Romps, Vondrousova Crashes out as Qualifiers Thrive in Melbourne

Ukraine's Dayana Yastremska hits a return against Czech Republic's Marketa Vondrousova during their women's singles match on day two of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, on Jan. 15, 2024. Martin Keep/AFP via Getty Images

MELBOURNE—U.S. Open champion Coco Gauff romped into the second round of the Australian Open on Monday, Jan. 15, but Wimbledon title-holder Marketa Vondrousova made a humbling exit at the hands of qualifier Dayana Yastremska on the second day of the Grand Slam.

Fourth seed Gauff admitted to making a nervous start in the first match on Rod Laver Arena but soon hit her stride to rattle off the last nine games for a convincing 6–3, 6–0 win over Anna Schmiedlova.