The Australian Open 2026 kicked off in Melbourne, showcasing thrilling matches and intense rivalries. The first day saw two-time champion Aryna Sabalenka advance confidently through her opening-round match, securing victory in straight sets. World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz also made a strong start, overcoming a minor hiccup in the second set to progress further in the tournament.
In a dramatic turn of events, veteran player Venus Williams found herself in a precarious position, leading 4-0 in the third set before ultimately bowing out to Serbia’s Olga Danilovic in a closely contested three-set match. This unexpected loss drew attention and marked a significant moment in Williams’ pursuit of success at this prestigious Grand Slam event.
The competition wasn’t without its tense moments, as on 1573 Arena, a ball kid fainted during the match between 11th-seed Ekaterina Alexandrova and Turkish qualifier Zeynep Sonmez, creating a brief pause in the proceedings. Additionally, men’s 20th-seed Flavio Cobolli’s early exit from the tournament was attributed to a rather unfortunate circumstance, as he needed to leave the match urgently due to a personal issue.
As the Australian Open continues, fans and players alike anticipate more compelling matches and memorable moments in this year’s first Grand Slam, highlighting the ongoing excitement and passion for tennis in Melbourne.