Coco Gauff defeats Venus Williams at Australian Open in Melbourne

Image: Coco Gauff proved too good for Venus Williams yet again at a Grand Slam

Coco Gauff repeated her Wimbledon victory over Venus Williams, winning 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 under the roof on Margaret Court Arena on the opening day of the Australian Open.

The 15-year-old's success in the first round at the All England Club last summer catapulted her to global stardom.

With Gauff now a top 100 player - and Venus having been a doubt for the tournament with a hip injury - this result came as less of a shock.

The young American showed maturity well beyond her years to battle through after nerves kicked in during the first set.

Image: Gauff (L) shakes hands with Venus Williams at the net

Gauff led 5-3 and had three set points, while a 5-2 lead in the tie-break also disappeared, but a missed backhand volley from Venus at 5-6 helped her young opponent over the line in the opener.

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There were no wobbles in the second, and Gauff said: "That was really difficult, she played really well. I was really nervous for today's match. I was a bit shocked, I'm sure everybody was shocked, when they saw that draw, but I'm really glad to get through it."

Venus praised Gauff, saying: "I think honestly she played really well, consistently, both matches. She clearly wants it, works very hard, is extremely mature for her age. I think the sky's the limit for her."

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