Melbourne, Australia – The 2026 Australian Open commenced on Sunday with early upsets and strong performances from top contenders, setting the stage for a compelling fortnight of tennis action. Third-seeded Alexander Zverev battled through a challenging first-round match, while anticipation builds for the tournament debuts of world number one Carlos Alcaraz and defending champion Jannik Sinner. The tournament also marked a historic moment with Venus Williams becoming the oldest woman to compete in a Grand Slam event.
The opening day saw a mix of expected victories and surprising defeats, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the Grand Slam. Top players like Jasmine Paolini and Elina Svitolina advanced comfortably, but several seeded players fell to lower-ranked opponents, demonstrating the increasing competitiveness of the tour. The tournament is expected to draw significant viewership and media attention throughout its duration.
Alexander Zverev Overcomes Early Hurdle at the Australian Open
Alexander Zverev experienced a rocky start to his Australian Open campaign, dropping the first set in a tie-break against Canada’s Gabriel Diallo. However, the German rallied to secure a 6-7 (1/7), 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 victory on Rod Laver Arena. Zverev admitted to feeling unsettled by Diallo’s aggressive play but found his rhythm after a slow beginning. He will next face either Alexei Popyrin or Alexandre Muller.
The win is a crucial first step for Zverev, who is aiming to improve upon his runner-up finish at last year’s tournament. He is considered a strong contender for the title, but will need to maintain consistent form throughout the event. The 28-year-old’s performance will be closely watched as he navigates a challenging draw.
Upsets and Surprises on Day One
The first day of the tournament wasn’t without its surprises. British qualifier Arthur Fery stunned 20th seed Flavio Cobolli in straight sets, while Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska was defeated by Elena-Gabriela Ruse. These results underscore the depth of talent in the women’s and men’s draws, and the potential for further upsets as the tournament progresses. The presence of numerous qualifiers making an impact suggests a shift in the landscape of professional tennis.
Alcaraz and Sabalenka Begin Title Defenses
All eyes will be on Carlos Alcaraz as he begins his quest for a career Grand Slam. Having already secured titles at the US Open, Wimbledon, and French Open, Alcaraz is aiming to complete the set with a victory at the Australian Open. He faces Australian wildcard Adam Walton in his opening match. A win would put him one step closer to surpassing Rafael Nadal as the youngest man to achieve the feat. The Spaniard has emphasized his hunger for the title and his determination to dethrone Jannik Sinner.
Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka, the 2024 champion, will open her campaign against French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah. Sabalenka is looking to reclaim the title after a narrow defeat to Madison Keys last year. Her recent victory at the Brisbane International suggests she is in excellent form and a strong favorite to contend for the championship. The Belarusian’s powerful serve and aggressive baseline game make her a formidable opponent.
Venus Williams, at 45 years old, made history by becoming the oldest woman to compete in a Grand Slam. Despite facing a tough opponent in Olga Danilovic, Williams expressed her excitement about the challenge and her love for the Australian Open. Her participation has generated significant buzz and serves as an inspiration to players and fans alike.
The first round will continue on Monday with more matches featuring top players and rising stars. The tournament is expected to provide thrilling contests and captivating storylines as players battle for the coveted title. The coming days will reveal which contenders can maintain their form and advance towards the championship rounds, and whether any further upsets will reshape the tournament landscape.
