This was the first victory for the Latvian tennis star this season. Ostapenko is to face China's Duan Ying-Ying (WTA 100).
Through to Round 2!
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2018
20-year-old Jelena Ostapenko defeats 37-year-old Francesca Schiavone 6-1 6-4 on Rod Laver Arena. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/Omg5mo0wrr
Meanwhile Anastasija Sevastova (WTA 15) is to face the US' Varvara Lepchenko (WTA 64) in the first round at the same tournament.
The Australian Open in Melbourne takes place until January 28 with a prize pool of around €36 million.