World number 102 Noskova, who beat higher-ranked opponents Anna Kalinskaya and Anastasia Potapova in qualifying to make the main draw of the Australian Open warm-up event, came close to sealing a straight-sets win over third seed Kasatkina.

After failing to close out the match on serve while up 6-5 in the second set and handing her Russian opponent a lifeline, Noskova raised her game in the decider and sealed the victory with a blistering crosscourt forehand.

"I'm so surprised (with the win) as I didn't play really great today and I'm looking forward to the next match because the atmosphere was great," Noskova said.

"It's a really great start for me here... I just want to play my best so I can prepare for the Australian Open."

Veronika Kudermetova (25) then made short work of American Amanda Anisimova (21) as the fourth seed prevailed 6-3 6-0 to set up a clash with former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu (22).

Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina (23) later beat fifth-seeded American Danielle Collins (29), coming from a set down to hand the 2022 Australian Open runner-up a 5-7 6-2 6-3 defeat.

Fernandez off to winning start in Auckland

Third seed Leylah Fernandez (20) beat Brenda Fruhvirtova (15) 6-1 6-1 in her opener at the WTA 250 Auckland Classic, which returned to the tour after the previous two editions were cancelled due to the COVID pandemic.

In the next round, the former US Open runner-up meets Julia Grabher (26) who beat Tereza Martincova (28) 5-7 6-1 6-2.

Venus Williams (42), who has received a wild card for the January 16-29 Australian Open, began her preparation for the Grand Slam with a 7-6(4) 6-2 victory over fellow American Katie Volynets (21) after a brief rain delay.

It was Williams' first victory since Wimbledon 2021 and she faces China's Zhu Lin next.

Former US Open champions Emma Raducanu and Sloane Stephens as well as French Open runner-up Coco Gauff and ex-Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin are in action on Tuesday.