Emma Raducanu meets Coco Gauff after beating Tamara Korpatsch to start the Australian Open campaign

Emma Raducanu set up an intriguing second-round clash with fellow young star Coco Gauff after passing her first test at the Australian Open.

The British number one pushed aside fears of injury as she defeated Germany’s Tamara Korpatsch 6-3, 6-2 in 85 minutes. It was a hugely satisfying performance from the 2021 US Open champion, albeit against a player with significant limitations.

Her reward is a high-profile match with 18-year-old number seven, who defeated Czech Katerina Siniakova 6-1, 6-4.

Raducanu had plenty to celebrate as she invaded the court impressively and appeared agile, showing too much class for an overwhelmed opponent.

Raducanu was impressive as it took her just 85 minutes to advance to the second round against world No. 76 Tamara Korpatsch

She walked out on a sweltering morning to start the opening day’s program before a packed crowd in the 1573 area, the fifth largest in the ever-expanding Melbourne Park.

Against her was world No. 76, 27, a scrappy player who had to fight for everything she had.

Their ranking was built almost entirely on their favorite clay courts, which is betrayed by their insane groundstrokes and superficial serves.

Korpatsch wouldn’t win many grades for Elegance, but is effective enough to confuse her game to harass opponents.

Looking at the Gauff encounter, Raducanu said: “I’m really looking forward to this game. I’m very much for it.

The British star didn’t appear to be concerned about the ankle injury she sustained during a tournament in Auckland – but she was buckled up when she arrived on the pitch

Korpatsch’s game lends itself very well to clay courts – and it hasn’t done her many favors at Melbourne Park

“Coco has obviously done a lot of great things and she’s playing well. I think we’re both good young players, we’re both coming through, we really belong to the next generation of tennis.

‘I know her pretty well. Off the court she is really nice and friendly and very down to earth. yes she is cool

She was happy about the victory over Korpatsch and said: “I’m just happy with how I did in the games today. There were points where I wasn’t exactly the best, but I was mentally good to continue.

“She’s tricky. Sometimes she will hit high, sometimes nothing, sometimes she will hit it, but it would be really effective.

‘It was hard. I had to stay on my feet, on my toes.’

Raducanu broke her opponent’s serve six times en route to the 6-3, 6-2 win

She now joins another rising star in Coco Gauff after the 18-year-old American wasted little time beating Czech Katerina Siniakova 6-1, 6-4

Raducanu emerged with a bandage on her left ankle, which she had injured in Auckland, but was armed with the knowledge that she had won their last meeting in Stuttgart last April, which was played on clay.

So there shouldn’t have been much to worry about if the Brit hadn’t been so lacking in play since autumn and her preparation here was limited.

A rather chaotic first set began with the first of four breaks, which Raducanu won against her clumsy delivery but was returned immediately. The 20-year-old from Kent mixed up the groundstroke winner with a few penalties to make it 3-1 but was then withdrawn.

From there, she charged forward to take over the set, finding plenty of pop on her serve and taking the ball early to drive through the court.

These were the flashes of the US Open-winning player and she moved well enough while perhaps being a little hampered on the backhand launch. A great forehand pass secured the set.

It would be a six-game streak for Raducanu, who was in full control 3-0. Korpatsch, making bigger and flatter cuts on the ball, put up a little harder resistance.

However, it was clear who was the better player and there was no drama in the end as Raducanu finished with her second match point and broke serve for the sixth time.