MELBOURNE, Jan 19 (Reuters) - Coco Gauff kicked off ‌her bid for a maiden Australian Open title with a thumping first-round win on Monday but men's contender Felix Auger-Aliassime exited abruptly with ‌a bout of cramp on a hot afternoon at Melbourne Park.

After record crowds crammed into Melbourne Park on the opening day on ‌Sunday, the venue was heaving again under cloudy skies, with home fans buzzing as local hero Alex de Minaur motored into the second round.