Archive · 18 Jan 2026
Australian Open 2026: Sabalenka Advances
Aryna Sabalenka, the world number one tennis player, started her Australian Open 2026 campaign with a win but had a shaky start.
She played against a young French player named Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah and won the match 6-4, 6-1.
Sabalenka made many mistakes in the first set but managed to improve her game.
She felt pressure playing in front of famous tennis players like Roger Federer.
Sabalenka is a favorite to win the tournament and is aiming for her third Melbourne title in four years.
She will play her next match against either Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova or Bai Zhuoxuan.
Aryna Sabalenka won her first match at the Australian Open 2026 against Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah with a score of 6-4, 6-1.
Sabalenka had a shaky start, losing the first three points and making 13 unforced errors in the first set.
She felt pressure playing in front of Roger Federer and Rod Laver, affecting her performance initially.
Sabalenka is a favorite to win the tournament and is aiming for her third Melbourne title in four years.
Her next opponent will be either Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova or Bai Zhuoxuan.
- Who
- Aryna Sabalenka and Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah
- What
- Aryna Sabalenka's first match at the Australian Open 2026
- When
- Sunday, January 18, 2026
- Where
- Melbourne, Australia
- Why
- To discuss Sabalenka's performance and her progress in the tournament
Sabalenka's Performance
Rakotomanga Rajaonah's Resilience
Match Start
Sabalenka's Performance
Sabalenka had a shaky start, losing the first three points and struggling to find her rhythm.
Rakotomanga Rajaonah's Resilience
Rakotomanga Rajaonah played exceptionally well, making it difficult for Sabalenka to break her resistance initially.
Error Count
Sabalenka's Performance
Sabalenka was guilty of 13 unforced errors in the first set, indicating a lack of precision in her game.
Rakotomanga Rajaonah's Resilience
Rakotomanga Rajaonah's solid performance forced Sabalenka to make more errors than usual.
Pressure Handling
Sabalenka's Performance
Sabalenka felt pressure playing in front of Roger Federer and Rod Laver, affecting her performance initially.
Rakotomanga Rajaonah's Resilience
Rakotomanga Rajaonah's unexpected resilience put additional pressure on Sabalenka to perform better.
- Event
- Australian Open 2026
- Player
- Aryna Sabalenka
- Opponent
- Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah
- Match Result
- 6-4, 6-1
- Next Opponent
- Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova or Bai Zhuoxuan
- Unforced Errors
- 13 in the first set
- Notable Spectators
- Roger Federer, Rod Laver
Sources
Vedika Anand Breaks Down Australian Open 2026; Momentum in Women's Tennis and Aryna Sabalenka's Winning Edge
Australian Open 2026 Live Streaming: When And Where To Watch The Grand Slam Matches Live In India?
World no 1 Sabalenka makes shaky start at Australian Open 2026; manages selfie with Federer – WATCH
Aus Open: Sabalenka eases past Rajaonah in straight sets, signs off with ‘iconic’ selfie with Rod Laver, Federer
Aryna Sabalenka Begins Australian Open Campaign With Narrow First-Round Win Over Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah
'Northeast has talent; what it needs is direction': Somdev Devvarman
Australian Open 2026, Day 1: Alcaraz and Sabalenka shine as Venus Williams makes emotional exit in Melbourne
WATCH| Aryna Sabalenka Makes A Special Request To Roger Federer And Rod Laver After Gritty Australia Open Win
Carlos Alcaraz Starts Australian Open 2026 Campaign On Winning Note, Clinches Convincing First Round Victory
