A day after jumping off the Sky Tower, Coco Gauff launches 2024 season with Auckland win

On New Year’s Day, Coco Gauff shared a thrill-seeking experience with her family in Auckland by leaping off the Sky Tower.

“Jumping into the new year,” Gauff captioned in an Instagram post.

A day later, the world No. 3 jumped back into WTA action with a winning start to 2024. Back at the ASB Classic, Gauff opened her title defense with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over countrywoman Claire Liu.

“I needed to be tested and I feel like I played well today for the first match in a while,” she said on court afterwards. “I’m happy with my level. Obviously there’s things I can improve.”

Gauff initially raced out of the gates to win the first four games. A break in rhythm and improvement from Liu’s end of the court saw her double break advantage completely erased when she couldn’t serve out the first set, but the top seed was spared when a double fault and pair of unforced errors flew off Liu’s racquet from 30-15 in the following game.

In set two, Gauff made her move in the sixth game. She wore Liu down in an extended baseline exchange to create two break points, and converted on her second when she drew a forehand error with deep hitting. After consolidating at love, Gauff broke her 95^th-ranked opponent for a fifth time to seal the victory in 82 minutes.

The 19-year-old is aiming to retain a title for the first time in her career. Gauff's triumph in Auckland 12 months ago marked her first title on outdoor hard courts. The Delray Beach, Fla. resident would add three more on the surface in 2023 throughout a U.S. summer to remember that culminated in capturing her first major title at the US Open.

“Auckland was my first title in over a year. It kind of set the momentum for me. I’m happy to be back here,” said the holder of six tour-level crowns.

With her fingers crossed, Gauff gave a shoutout to the much-improved conditions.

“For those who remember last year, it’s good to play in the sun and no rain. Hopefully we can keep it for the rest of the week.”

In the second round, Gauff will meet qualifier Brenda Fruhvirtova. The 16-year-old advanced past Anna Blinkova, 7-5, 6-4, to pick up her first tour-level match win.