There is a real chance Coco Gauff will get to face her idol at the Australian Open, six years after their last meeting.
On Thursday, the Happy Slam organizers released the main draw for this year's tournament edition.
Gauff, seeded at No. 3, faces world No. 91 Kamilla Rakhimova in the first round. Meanwhile, Williams drew 68th-ranked Olga Danilovic. The winners of those two matches will face off in the second round.
Considering that Gauff is among the top favorites for the Australian Open title, the 21-year-old shouldn't have many issues overcoming Rakhimova.
When it comes to the Williams and Danilovic matchup, it is fair to say that the 45-year-old enters as the underdog in that one, considering that she picked up back-to-back Auckland and Hobart first-round losses to Magda Linette and Tatjana Maria, respectively. The American also went 1-3 in 2025, but it should be noted that her lone win came against 2024 Rabat champion Peyton Stearns.
Gauff famously kick-started her career by beating Williams
As you probably know, a 15-year-old qualifier Gauff upset Williams 6-4 6-4 in the 2019 Wimbledon first round. They also met at the 2021 Australian Open, when the current world No. 3 registered a 7-6 (5) 6-3 win.
In the past, Williams reached the Australian Open final twice – she was beaten by her sister Serena in the 2003 and 2017 finals at Melbourne Park.
"I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer. I’ve had so many incredible memories there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to my career," the seven-time Grand Slam champion said after receiving a wildcard for the Happy Slam.
Although Gauff would enter the Williams match as a big favorite, there is no doubt that the encounter itself would draw major attention and a sell out crowd at Rod Laver Arena.
