First-time grand slam champion Coco Gauff advances at the China Open

Grand slam champion Coco Gauff beat Ekaterina Alexandrova in straight sets at the China Open to start her career.

Georgia Gauff beat Russia's Alexandrova 7-5 6-3 in Beijing on Monday, in her first match since winning the US Open last month. She later said that she wasn't at her "best level."

America's 19-year-old took an early 4-0 lead, but Alexandrova tied the set with two breaks of serve. Although Gauff stayed calm and won the first set with a beautiful backhand.

Gauff had an easier time in the second set because she kept her serve the whole time and received the crucial break with a crosscourt forehand at 3-2.

As Alexandrova hit a forehand into the net, she ended the match, which was her 13th straight win.

Defeating Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in the US Open final three weeks ago moved Gauff up to No. 3 in the rankings. In the second round, she will play Petra Martić of Croatia.