Australian Open 2023: Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff send a signal to the competition with opening victories

Both Pegula and Gauff are still chasing their first Grand Slam title and are among the extended group of contenders in Melbourne.

Pegula recently caused a stir with a clear two-set win against world number one Iga Swiatek in the United Cup.

So far, the 28-year-old has ended in the quarterfinals at the latest in the majors.

Gauff, ten years younger than her compatriot, was in a Grand Slam final for the first time at the French Open in 2022, but was clearly defeated by Swiatek.