The favourites at AO2026 marched on, but not without a few creaks.
Title contenders Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff both advanced at the Australian Open, yet neither delivered the kind of statement performance that sends shivers through the draw.
Six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek was pushed far harder than expected by Chinese qualifier Yuan Yue, grinding out a 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 win that exposed early rust.
The Polish second seed, chasing a career Grand Slam if she can finally conquer Melbourne, admitted she was far from her best.
“I was a bit rusty at the beginning,” Swiatek said. “There were many ups and downs. I definitely have things to work on.”
Gauff followed with a straight-sets victory of her own, beating Kamilla Rakhimova 6-2, 6-3, but also struggled
to find rhythm early — particularly on serve.
“I tried not to put too much pressure on myself,” Gauff said. “I’m only satisfied if I win, but I’m proud of myself regardless of how I get on.”
Her reward is a second-round clash with Olga Danilovic, who ended Venus Williams’ historic return. Like Swiatek, Gauff has yet to reach an Australian Open final.
There were no such concerns for Amanda Anisimova. The fourth seed began her push for a third straight major final with a ruthless 6-3, 6-2 dismissal of Simona Waltert.
Jessica Pegula and teenage star Mirra Andreeva also moved safely through, while former champion Sofia Kenin and Philippines favourite Alexandra Eala bowed out.
Medvedev, de Minaur advance
In the men’s draw, Daniil Medvedev continued his steady start to the year, dispatching Jesper de Jong 7-5, 6-2, 7-6 (7/2). The three-time Melbourne runner-up said he is trying to be more “positive” on court — and so far, it’s working.
Home hope Alex de Minaur also cruised through in straight sets on another sweltering day at Melbourne Park, where temperatures hovered around 30 C, and fans endured long entry queues.
However, the tournament is already over for Felix Auger-Aliassime. The seventh seed retired with cramp after leading early against Nuno Borges, calling it impossible to continue.
“I don’t want to be standing there like a punching bag,” he said.
(with AFP inputs)
