The US Open champion kicked off her campaign by overwhelming Russian qualifier 6-1 6-1.
The American third seed will face Slovenia’s Tamara Zidansek, also a qualifier, in the second round after the Slovenian beat Belgium’s Alison Van Uytvanck 6-2 2-6 6-1.Gauff, a 2022 Roland Garros finalist, had little trouble clearing the first hurdle in Paris on Monday as she dropped just two sets to Avdeeva.
She dismantled the World No. 208, needing just 52 minutes of play to safely progress into the second round – even though the match was delayed after Avdeeva accidentally bumped her head against the umpire’s when she was contesting a point.
