Coco Gauff is the strong favourite to beat Emma Raducanu in their Australian Open second round clash, although that could help the British player.

That is the view of John McEnroe, who is hoping the match – taking place on Rod Laver Arena at 8am UK time on Wednesday - is a signpost towards what could be the kind of rivalry the women's game needs.

He is looking forward to seeing what Raducanu can do in a rare situation where it might be possible for the older player to semi-relax.

'It's a great second-round match-up and I think it's going to be the first time in a while where Emma can really let loose and play more free,' he told Eurosport.

'It's going to be interesting to see what happens there. I think Coco is in the better position right now to make a deep run and I think it's going to be soon that she's going to win a major event, in the next year or two at the most. To me she goes in as a heavy favourite.

'She seems to be playing better and better and serving more consistently than she has done. I would say that it's a match she should win, but a match that could put Raducanu back on the map again, which would be good for her.'

The contest looks heavily tilted on rankings, with 78 playing number seven, and it will be Raducanu's first time playing on the vast dimensions of the Laver stadium.

'It will probably be the first time in a couple of years where Emma won't be feeling the type of pressure she's been feeling since she won the US Open,' said McEnroe.

'So that's probably a good thing to allow her to be more free and do her thing, because to me she's the type of player, the type of person and the type of talent that we could use in the top 10.'