Sabalenka Advances at Australian Open With Aggressive, Fearless Net Play
World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka overcomes a testing first round from French wildcard to progress at Melbourne Park
World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka opened her 2026 Australian Open campaign with a commanding straight-sets victory over French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on Sunday night.
The two-time champion began the match on the back foot, facing early resistance from her opponent, but reasserted control to prevail 6-4, 6-1 and book her place in the second round of the season’s first Grand Slam.
Sabalenka’s tactical adjustment, particularly her willingness to approach the net and finish points with decisive volleying, proved instrumental in breaking down the spirited defence of the 20-year-old French competitor, who pushed the world No.1 in the opening set before fading under Sabalenka’s sustained pressure.
Throughout the match, Sabalenka’s blend of power and variety, including serve-and-volley forays, kept her adversary off balance and highlighted her evolution beyond a purely baseline power game.
Sabalenka said she had been working on serve-and-volley tactics in practice and was pleased to execute them under match conditions during her night session contest in Melbourne.
With her performance, she not only secured progression but also set up a second-round meeting against Chinese qualifier Zhuoxuan Bai, who advanced by overcoming Anastasia Pavluchenkova in a closely fought encounter.
Sabalenka’s confident start in Melbourne underlines her status as a leading contender for the title as the fortnight unfolds on the hard courts of Melbourne Park.
The two-time champion began the match on the back foot, facing early resistance from her opponent, but reasserted control to prevail 6-4, 6-1 and book her place in the second round of the season’s first Grand Slam.
Sabalenka’s tactical adjustment, particularly her willingness to approach the net and finish points with decisive volleying, proved instrumental in breaking down the spirited defence of the 20-year-old French competitor, who pushed the world No.1 in the opening set before fading under Sabalenka’s sustained pressure.
Throughout the match, Sabalenka’s blend of power and variety, including serve-and-volley forays, kept her adversary off balance and highlighted her evolution beyond a purely baseline power game.
Sabalenka said she had been working on serve-and-volley tactics in practice and was pleased to execute them under match conditions during her night session contest in Melbourne.
With her performance, she not only secured progression but also set up a second-round meeting against Chinese qualifier Zhuoxuan Bai, who advanced by overcoming Anastasia Pavluchenkova in a closely fought encounter.
Sabalenka’s confident start in Melbourne underlines her status as a leading contender for the title as the fortnight unfolds on the hard courts of Melbourne Park.
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