The Australian Open is officially underway, and while the spotlight naturally falls on the top seeds, this year’s women’s draw is packed with compelling storylines - from rising stars making their Slam debuts to seasoned veterans chasing history. Let’s dive into the key matchups and what to watch on Day 1 in Melbourne.
Sabalenka Eyes History, But Keeps It Grounded
Aryna Sabalenka may be the No. 1 seed and defending champion, but when asked about a potential rivalry with Iga Swiatek, she was quick to spread the credit around.
“I think it's actually not only about me and Iga,” Sabalenka said in her pre-tournament press conference. “It’s Coco, Elena, Jessica... I just don't want to forget anyone right now.”
That’s a nod to the growing depth at the top of the WTA Tour - and a reminder that, despite their rankings, Sabalenka and Swiatek met just once last year, in a high-stakes semifinal at Roland Garros. Sabalenka took that one in three sets.
If they’re going to meet again in Melbourne, it won’t be until the final. First, Sabalenka opens her campaign Sunday night against France’s Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah.
**No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka vs.
Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah**
Head-to-head: 0-0
Sabalenka has been an absolute force in Australia, winning 38 of her last 40 matches Down Under. She’s chasing history - looking to become just the third woman ever to reach four straight Australian Open finals, a feat only Evonne Goolagong and Martina Hingis have accomplished.
Her first-round record at majors is rock solid: she’s won 20 straight, with her last opening-round loss coming in Melbourne six years ago. Her .824 winning percentage at this Slam (28-6) is the best among active players.
Rakotomanga Rajaonah, ranked No. 118, is just 20 years old and playing in only her second Grand Slam main draw. But she’s already made waves - winning the 2025 Sao Paulo title as a teenager put her in elite company alongside rising stars like Mirra Andreeva and Maya Joint. This will be a steep climb, but it’s also a huge opportunity.
Paolini Looks to Extend Slam Momentum
**No. 7 Jasmine Paolini vs.
Aliaksandra Sasnovich (Qualifier)**
Head-to-head: 1-0 Sasnovich (2020 Palermo)
Jasmine Paolini turned 30 earlier this month, but the birthday celebration was a bit bittersweet after a United Cup loss to Belinda Bencic. Still, the Italian took positives from the team experience and even got a tune-up against Elena Rybakina in an exhibition at Rod Laver Arena - where she jumped out to a 4-1 lead before falling in straight sets.
Paolini’s early Slam record wasn’t great (4-12 in first-round matches), but she’s flipped the script in a big way, winning her last eight opening-round contests.
Sasnovich, ranked No. 102, is battle-tested after coming through qualifying here and in Brisbane, where she knocked off world No. 14 Clara Tauson. She’s got momentum and a history of pulling off early-round surprises.
Svitolina Riding High After Auckland Title
**No. 12 Elina Svitolina vs.
Cristina Bucsa**
Head-to-head: 0-0
Elina Svitolina is off to a red-hot start in 2026, going 5-0 and capturing the Auckland title. She’s one of the most consistent performers in early Slam rounds, having won 11 straight first-round matches at the majors.
Cristina Bucsa, ranked No. 51, is hoping to break new ground by winning back-to-back openers in Melbourne for the first time. The 28-year-old Spaniard has the tools to hang, but Svitolina’s current form makes her a tough out.
Raducanu Returns, Still Perfect in Melbourne Openers
**No. 28 Emma Raducanu vs.
Mananchaya Sawangkaew**
Head-to-head: 0-0
Emma Raducanu has a knack for showing up big in Slams. She’s 4-0 in first-round matches at the Australian Open and boasts a 12-2 overall record in majors. That 2021 US Open title still looms large, and she’s looking to build consistency after a few injury-plagued seasons.
Across the net is Mananchaya Sawangkaew, ranked No. 195 and making her Grand Slam debut. The 21-year-old becomes the first Thai woman to appear in a major main draw since Wimbledon 2019. It’s a big moment for her - and a chance to test herself against a proven Slam performer.
Venus Williams: Still Making History
Venus Williams vs. Olga Danilovic
Head-to-head: 0-0
Every time Venus Williams steps on court, she adds another chapter to her legendary career. Now 45, she’s the oldest woman ever to appear in the Australian Open singles draw - and still owns more match wins in Melbourne (54) than any active player.
She’ll need all that experience against Olga Danilovic. The 25-year-old Serbian is ranked No. 68 and has quietly built a strong Slam résumé, winning eight of her last 10 first-round matches, including a perfect 2-0 record in Melbourne. She hasn’t played a match yet this season, but she’s no pushover.
Day 1 Order of Play - Notable Matches
Rod Laver Arena
*11:30 a.m.
- Aliaksandra Sasnovich vs.
No. 7 Jasmine Paolini
- No. 3 Alexander Zverev vs.
Gabriel Diallo
*7:00 p.m. *
- No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka vs.
Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah
- No.
1 Carlos Alcaraz vs. Adam Walton
Margaret Court Arena
*11:30 a.m.
- Maria Sakkari vs.
Leolia Jeanjean
- No.
18 Francisco Cerundolo vs. Zhizhen Zhang
*7:00 p.m. *
- No. 10 Alexander Bublik vs.
Jenson Brooksby
- Mananchaya Sawangkaew vs.
No. 28 Emma Raducanu
John Cain Arena
*11:00 a.m.
- Arthur Fery vs.
No. 20 Flavio Cobolli
*Not before 1:30 p.m. *
- No. 12 Elina Svitolina vs.
Cristina Bucsa
*Not before 5:00 p.m. *
- No. 29 Frances Tiafoe vs.
Jason Kubler
- Olga Danilovic vs.
Venus Williams
KIA Arena
*11:00 a.m.
- Talia Gibson vs.
Anna Blinkova
- Tristan Schoolkate vs.
No. 32 Corentin Moutet
*Not before 3:30 p.m. *
- Michael Zheng vs. Sebastian Korda
- Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova vs. Zhuoxuan Bai
1573 Arena
*11:00 a.m.
- Miomir Kecmanovic vs.
Tomas Martin Etcheverry
- No.
11 Ekaterina Alexandrova vs. Zeynep Sonmez
- Benjamin Bonzi vs. No.
26 Cameron Norrie
ANZ Arena
*11:00 a.m.
- Full lineup kicks off with additional early-round action
From Sabalenka’s title defense to Venus Williams continuing to defy time, Day 1 in Melbourne is packed with intrigue. Whether you're tuning in for the top seeds or the under-the-radar stories, the 2026 Australian Open is already delivering.