World No. 4 Novak Djokovic began his quest for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title with a commanding 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Spain’s Pedro Martinez at Rod Laver Arena.
The 38-year-old Serbian star struck 14 aces, committed no double faults, and won 93% of points on his first serve. Martinez failed to earn a single break opportunity as Djokovic converted five of 12 break points and dominated with 98 total points to his opponent’s 57.
Djokovic now eyes his 11th Australian Open crown, with challenges ahead from Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
Swiatek battles into second round
Even with six Grand Slam titles already in the bag, Iga Swiatek is probably nearer the start than the end of her career and she opened her bid for a first Australian Open crown with a 7-6(5) 6-3 win over Chinese qualifier Yuan Yue.
The 24-year-old Pole was far from convincing, however, particularly in the opening set as an inspired Yuan overwhelmed her at times with a relentlessly aggressive game.
Gauff brushes past Rakhimova
Third seed Coco Gauff opened her campaign with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova. Despite seven double faults, the American maintained control, sealing her 75th career Grand Slam match win in 1 hour 39 minutes. Gauff broke serve six times and showed composure under pressure. She will face Olga Danilovic next, who defeated seven-time major winner Venus Williams in three sets.
Medvedev races into second round
Former World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev advanced with a 7-5, 6-2, 7-6(2) win over Jesper de Jong at Margaret Court Arena. Medvedev converted seven of 13 break points and maintained his unbeaten 6-0 start to the 2026 season. Despite lapses in serving out sets, he controlled the tie-break to secure victory in two hours and 53 minutes. He next faces Quentin Halys, who overcame Alejandro Tabilo in straight sets.
Auger-Aliassime retires; De Minaur and Pegula prevail
Seventh seed Felix Auger-Aliassime retired with cramps against Portugal’s Nuno Borges, trailing 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 0-1. The Canadian, a US Open semifinalist last year, was forced to stop after medical treatment failed to ease discomfort in his left leg. Meanwhile, home favourite Alex de Minaur delighted the crowd with a 6-2, 6-2, 6-3 win over Mackenzie McDonald. He will meet Hamad Medjedovic in the next round. In women’s singles, Jessica Pegula defeated Anastasia Zakharova 6-2, 6-1 in just 66 minutes. Pegula dominated with break points in all eight of Zakharova’s service games and will next face compatriot McCartney Kessler, whom she beat in last year’s Austin final.