The Australian Open’s second day saw tournament contenders Coco Gauff and Daniil Medvedev navigate their way into the second round, setting the stage for defending champion Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam title later in the evening.

Women's fourth seed Coco Gauff advanced with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Kamilla Rakhimova but admitted to an unconvincing performance plagued by seven double faults and 31 unforced errors. "I tried not to put too much pressure on myself," said Gauff, who faces Olga Danilovic next. Meanwhile, former champion Sofia Kenin crashed out in straight sets to fellow American Peyton Stearns, and men's seventh seed Felix Auger-Aliassime retired from his match against Portugal's Nuno Borges due to severe cramping.

On the men's side, three-time finalist Daniil Medvedev continued his strong form from a Brisbane title run, grinding out a 7-5, 6-2, 7-6 (2) win over Dutch qualifier Jesper de Jong. "The most important is to win," said the 11th-seeded Russian.

The day's headline act is Novak Djokovic, who opens his campaign against Spain's Pedro Martinez. The 38-year-old Serbian, chasing an unprecedented 11th Australian Open crown and a record 25th major title, remains bullish about his chances. "I know that when I'm healthy... I feel like I can beat anybody," he stated on the eve of the tournament.

Other notable winners included Amanda Anisimova, Jessica Pegula, and Alex De Minaur. The evening session will also feature world No. 2 Iga Swiatek, who begins her quest for a first Melbourne title against Chinese qualifier Yuan Yue.