Gauff is currently ranked number 24 in the world, but faces a tough test in the first round at the Canadian Open in Montreal where she is among the favourites. She squares up against Latvian Anastasija Sevastova, who has beaten the teen sensation on all three occasions they have competed.
The most recent of those battles came in June on the grass at Eastbourne, the build-up competition for Wimbledon. Sevastova won a closely fought contest in three sets.
Gauff hasn’t played since losing to Angelique Kerber at Wimbledon in straight sets. She was struck down by COVID meaning that she missed the Olympics in Tokyo.
Kyrgios himself has been struggling for form of late, having been defeated in straight sets at the Citi Open in Washington by Mackenzie McDonald.
