The 2026 Australian Open kicked off with a day of dominance from the top seeds and significant milestones, as world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and men's favourite Carlos Alcaraz both secured convincing first-round victories on Sunday, January 18.
Top Seeds Make Powerful Statements
In her first match as the tournament's top-ranked woman, Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus displayed her championship form. She faced France's Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah on the opening day at Melbourne Park. Sabalenka's powerful baseline game proved too much for her opponent as she advanced efficiently, setting the tone for her campaign to reclaim the title she last won in 2023.
On the men's side, the spotlight shone brightly on Carlos Alcaraz. The young Spanish sensation, who has captivated the tennis world with his explosive athleticism and creative shot-making, also progressed without major drama. His victory underscored his status as one of the principal contenders for the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup.
A Day Marked by Tournament Records
Beyond the straightforward wins for the favourites, the opening Sunday was notable for setting new benchmarks in the tournament's long history. While specific records broken were not detailed in the initial report, the day was officially characterized by organizers as one featuring significant milestones, adding an extra layer of historical significance to the early action.
The atmosphere at Melbourne Park was electric, blending the anticipation of a new Grand Slam chapter with the celebration of the sport's evolving history. The successful advance of both top seeds ensures that the marquee names will remain in the draw, much to the delight of fans in attendance and viewers across Canada and the globe.
Setting the Stage for a Thrilling Fortnight
The commanding performances by Sabalenka and Alcaraz have firmly established the narrative for the first Grand Slam of 2026. Both players have now navigated the potential nerves of a first-round match and can focus on building rhythm and form as the competition intensifies in the second round.
With the opening day in the books, the Australian Open continues its two-week run in Melbourne. The early success of the top-ranked players promises a fortnight of high-stakes tennis, as challengers from around the world aim to dethrone the sport's established elites on the hard courts of Australia.
