Australian Open 2026 Day 1 Highlights: Legends, New Eras, and Epic Battles in Melbourne

The 2026 tennis season officially kicked into high gear on Sunday, January 18, as the Australian Open got underway at Melbourne Park. Day 1 delivered a quintessential Grand Slam mix of routine victories for title contenders, heartbreaking exits for veterans, and stunning upsets that signaled the arrival of new talent. Under the blazing Australian sun, the narrative arcs of the tournament began to take shape, headlined by Carlos Alcaraz’s confident start, Aryna Sabalenka’s title defense campaign, and a dramatic, emotional curtain call for a tennis icon.

Venus Williams: A Heartbreaking Epilogue to a Historic Return

The emotional center of Day 1 was undoubtedly the return of Venus Williams. At 45 years old, the seven-time major champion set a new record simply by stepping onto the court, becoming the oldest player ever to compete in the Australian Open singles draw. Facing Serbia’s Olga Danilovic—a player more than two decades her junior—Williams produced a vintage performance that thrilled the crowd at John Cain Arena.

The match was a rollercoaster of grit and nostalgia. After dropping the first set in a tiebreak, Williams found her rhythm, taking the second set 6-3. The fairytale seemed written when she surged to a commanding 4-0 lead in the deciding set, appearing destined for a second-round berth. However, in a twist that left the stadium in stunned silence, Danilovic mounted an incredible comeback. The 24-year-old Serbian broke Williams’ serve in a marathon 14-minute game at 4-4, eventually reeling off six consecutive games to steal the match 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4. Despite the loss, Williams left the court to a standing ovation, her legacy as a relentless competitor firmly intact.

Men’s Singles: Alcaraz and Zverev Navigate Early Tests

On Rod Laver Arena, World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz launched his bid for a Career Grand Slam with a straight-sets victory over local hope Adam Walton. This tournament marks a significant shift for the Spaniard, who is competing for the first time in the “post-Juan Carlos Ferrero era,” now guided by coach Samuel Lopez. Alcaraz displayed his trademark versatility and power, dispatching Walton 6-3, 7-6(2), 6-2. While the Australian underdog provided stiff resistance, particularly in the second set where Alcaraz had to rally from a 1-3 deficit, the top seed’s quality in the tiebreak and subsequent set ensured a safe passage to the second round.

Alexander Zverev, the runner-up in 2025, faced a more turbulent opening test against the aggressive Canadian Gabriel Diallo. The German star looked sluggish in the early stages, dropping the first set in a tiebreak. However, Zverev quickly recalibrated, dominating the remainder of the match to win 6-7(7), 6-1, 6-4, 6-2. It was a crucial steadying of the ship for Zverev, who secured his spot in the second round at Melbourne Park for the 10th consecutive year.

Elsewhere in the men’s draw, American Frances Tiafoe avoided the upset bug, overpowering Australian Jason Kubler 7-6(4), 6-3, 6-2. However, the day’s biggest shock came from Kia Arena, where American qualifier and college tennis star Michael Zheng stunned Sebastian Korda. Zheng, making his tour-level debut, outlasted his compatriot in a grueling five-set battle, winning 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 6-7(0), 6-3. The victory for the Columbia University standout immediately becomes one of the feel-good stories of the tournament’s opening days.

Women’s Singles: Sabalenka Survives Scare, Seeds Tumble

Aryna Sabalenka, the World No. 1 and defending champion, opened her campaign for a third Australian Open title with a mix of nerves and firepower. Facing French wildcard Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah, Sabalenka found herself under immediate pressure, falling behind a break early in the first set. The Belarusian eventually found her range, overpowering the left-handed teenager to record a 6-4, 6-1 victory. While the scoreline looked comfortable, the match served as a reminder of the target on Sabalenka’s back this fortnight.

Other seeds were not as fortunate. The women’s draw saw significant casualties on Day 1, with No. 20 Marta Kostyuk falling to Elsa Jacquemot in a tight three-setter, 6-7(4), 7-6(4), 7-6(7). Similarly, No. 11 Ekaterina Alexandrova was upset by Turkish qualifier Zeynep Sonmez, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4. Sonmez’s victory was notable not just for the score, but for her sportsmanship; she briefly halted play to assist a ball kid struggling in the heat.

In a battle of gritty baseliners, Yulia Putintseva scored a notable win over Beatriz Haddad Maia. Putintseva rallied from a set down to defeat the Brazilian 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, showcasing her renowned fighting spirit. Meanwhile, Italian star Jasmine Paolini breezed through her opener against Aliaksandra Sasnovich, dropping just three games in a 6-1, 6-2 rout, and Maria Sakkari advanced with ease.

Tournament Key Features: Australian Open 2026

As the first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open sets the tone for the tennis calendar. The 2026 edition brings with it record-breaking financial incentives and a continued commitment to player welfare.

• Tournament Dates: The main draw runs for 15 days, from Sunday, January 18, to Sunday, February 1, 2026.
• Location: Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
• Prize Money: The tournament features a record prize pool of AUD $111.5 million, a 15.54% increase from 2025.
• Winner’s Payout: The singles champions will each take home a staggering AUD $4.15 million, while runners-up will earn $2.15 million.
• Early Round Support: Even players who exit in the first round receive a substantial paycheck of AUD $150,000, reflecting the tournament’s effort to support professional careers at all levels.

With Day 1 in the books, the stage is set for a fortnight of intense competition. The mix of established dominance from the likes of Alcaraz and Sabalenka, combined with the emerging narratives of players like Michael Zheng, promises a memorable tournament Down Under.

Full results: https://ausopen.com/results#!All?dayId=43225