Teenage star Coco Gauff looks ready to build on her 2019 heroics after breezing past her Slovakian opponent in the first round of Auckland’s ASB Classic.

The 15-year-old American who generated global headlines at Wimbledon six months ago outclassed Viktoria Kuzmova 6-3 6-1 in an hour on Monday, looking assured in blustery conditions.

Gauff unleashed a range of winners, including some fine touches around the net where her mobility was impressive.

Ranked lower than her opponent – at 68th compared to 61st – Gauff took command of both sets via an early service break and rarely looked rattled.

It sparked memories of her sensational run to the fourth round at Wimbledon followed by victory at the Linz Open in October, when she became the youngest WTA tournament winner in 15 years.

The former world No.1 junior is in the same quarter of the draw as her idol, Serena Williams.

US legend Williams was handed a late change of opponent for her opening match on Tuesday after Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova withdrew because of a viral illness. Williams will instead face Italian qualifier Camila Giorgi.

Kuznetsova continued a trend of former grand slam winners pulling out.

Jelena Ostapenko withdrew on Sunday for “personal reasons” while reigning US Open champion Bianca Andreescu dropped out days earlier with a knee complaint, promoting Williams to top seed status.

There was mixed news for two other seeds on the tournament’s opening day.

Six-seeded Swede Rebecca Peterson was beaten 7-6 7-6 by Slovenia’s Tamara Zidansek while eighth-seed Caroline Garcia of France fought back to beat American Taylor Townsend 5-7 6-3 7-5.