As she begins her bid for a three-peat, a feat not achieved at the Australian Open since Martina Hingis won three in a row between 1997 and 1999, it is the American Gauff who perhaps stands as her closest rival for the title. Here, opponent Stephens has not won match since last year’s Wimbledon.

The first round of the Australian Open begins in Melbourne on Sunday, with the world's top players competing for glory in the year's first Grand Slam.

The Australian Open began in a hurry with the defending women's champion Aryna Sabalenka in action.Sabalenka – shooting for her third consecutive title at Melbourne Park – moved past US Open 2017 champion Sloane Stephens in straight sets.