The Australian Open 2026 continued to deliver drama and excitement at Melbourne Park as top seeds advanced with commanding performances, debutants impressed despite defeats, and veterans bowed out early.
Sinner progresses after Gaston retires hurt
Second seed Jannik Sinner reinforced his dominance at Melbourne Park, advancing to the second round after Frenchman Hugo Gaston retired injured at Rod Laver Arena. Sinner, the two-time defending champion, raced to a 6-2, 6-1 lead before Gaston, ranked World No. 93, withdrew despite medical treatment.
The match lasted just 68 minutes, but Sinner’s aggressive baseline play and repeated breaks of serve highlighted his form. With this win, the Italian extended his unbeaten streak at Melbourne Park to 15 matches. He now eyes a historic third consecutive Australian Open crown, a feat achieved only by Novak Djokovic in the Open era. Sinner will next face either Dino Prizmic or James Duckworth.
Keys survives Oliynykova challenge
Defending champion Madison Keys overcame a shaky start against Ukrainian debutant Oleksandra Oliynykova. Keys trailed 0-4 in the first set and faced two set points in the tiebreak, but rallied to clinch the opener 7-6(6). She then dominated the second set 6-1, winning 90 per cent of points on her first serve.
Oliynykova, ranked No. 92, impressed in her Grand Slam debut, showing resilience despite limited tour-level experience. Keys’ recovery ensured her campaign remains on track as she seeks to defend her title.
Shelton wins opening round thriller
World No. 8 Ben Shelton battled past France’s Ugo Humbert in a tense two-hour-37-minute contest. Though Shelton won in straight sets 6-3, 7-6(2), 7-6(5), the match was fiercely competitive, especially in the tiebreaks.
Shelton, who reached the semifinals in Melbourne last year, showed mental strength by rallying from 0-3 down in the third-set tiebreak. The victory marks a strong comeback after a shoulder injury derailed his 2025 season.
Rybakina beats Juvan
Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina, seeded No. 5, defeated Slovenia’s Kaja Juvan 6-4, 6-3 at Margaret Court Arena. The 2023 finalist secured her seventh consecutive first-round win in Melbourne, continuing her consistent record at the tournament.
Rybakina’s powerful groundstrokes proved decisive against Juvan, ranked World No. 100, who fought valiantly but could not match the Kazakh’s pace. Rybakina will next face France’s Varvara Gracheva.
Osaka opens in style
Two-time champion Naomi Osaka made headlines both on and off the court. Dressed in a jellyfish-inspired outfit, she defeated Croatia’s Antonia Ruzic 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 in a see-saw battle at Rod Laver Arena.
Osaka sealed victory with a decisive backhand winner at 5-4 in the final set.
The Japanese star, returning to Melbourne with flair, will meet Romania’s Sorana Cirstea in the second round.
Venus Williams exits in doubles
Veteran Venus Williams and Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova bowed out of the women’s doubles, losing 6-3, 6-4 to France’s Elsa Jacquemot and Colombia’s Emiliana Arango.
The defeat ended Venus’ campaign at Melbourne Park after her singles loss to Olga Danilovic.
This was her first appearance at the Australian Open since 2021 and her first competition outside the United States since 2023.