Australian Open 2026: Iga Swiatek Eyes History, Gauff and Anisimova Headline Opening-Round Storylines
Winning a Grand Slam is never easy. Winning all four in a career?
That’s reserved for a select few legends in tennis history. Margaret Court.
Chris Evert. Martina Navratilova.
Steffi Graf. Serena Williams.
Maria Sharapova. And now, as the 2026 Australian Open kicks off, 24-year-old Iga Swiatek stands at the doorstep of joining that elite company.
She’s already conquered Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open. Now, under the blazing Melbourne sun, she’s chasing the final piece of the puzzle: the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup.
But if you think she’s losing sleep over the pressure, think again.
“I think you guys are thinking more about it,” Swiatek told reporters with a smile. “I’m really just focusing on day-by-day work. That’s how I’ve gotten this far-match by match, point by point.”
That mindset has served her well. Swiatek opens her campaign against qualifier Yuan Yue, a matchup that, at least on paper, heavily favors the world No.
- Swiatek has won 24 straight first-round matches at majors-a streak that speaks to both her consistency and her ability to lock in from the first ball.
Yuan, meanwhile, is still searching for her first win in Melbourne after three previous tries and holds a 1-12 career record against Top 10 opponents.
Swiatek may not be looking ahead, but the draw sets up potential blockbuster meetings with Naomi Osaka and Elena Rybakina before the semifinals. Just don’t tell her that.
“I’m not looking at the draw, so thanks for the heads-up,” she said after a reporter mentioned those names. “No, it’s not a joke.
I’m literally not doing that. Please don’t spoil it for me.”
Gauff Embracing the Moment, Not the Pressure
On the other side of the draw, Coco Gauff enters Melbourne with a mix of confidence and perspective that comes from experience. Still just 21, Gauff is already on the verge of her 75th Grand Slam match win-she’s 74-23 heading into her opener against Kamilla Rakhimova.
Her best run here came two years ago, when she reached the semifinals before falling to Aryna Sabalenka. This time around, she’s focused on staying grounded.
“At the beginning of my career I wrapped myself too much into the results,” Gauff said. “Now, it’s about finding that balance-playing like your life depends on it, but also knowing it doesn’t.”
That mindset has helped her dominate the matches she’s supposed to win. Gauff has taken her last 21 matches against players ranked outside the Top 50. Rakhimova, currently sitting at No. 55, will have her hands full.
Anisimova Looking to Break Through
Amanda Anisimova has been knocking on the door in Melbourne for years. Three times she’s reached the fourth round, each time running into a buzzsaw-Ash Barty in 2022, Sabalenka in 2024, and Petra Kvitova in 2019. Now, fresh off back-to-back major finals, she’s back with her sights set higher.
She opens against Simona Waltert, a 25-year-old Swiss player who’s climbed to a career-high No. 86 after starting last year outside the Top 150. It’s Waltert’s third appearance in a Slam main draw, and she’ll need to summon something special to slow down the No. 4 seed.
Pegula Seeking That Next Step
Jessica Pegula has become a fixture in the second week of majors, especially in Melbourne, where she’s reached the quarterfinals three times. But she’s still searching for that elusive Slam semifinal-or better.
After a strong start to the year with a semifinal run in Brisbane, Pegula opens against Anastasia Zakharova, ranked No. 103.
Zakharova reached the third round here in her debut two years ago, but she’s never beaten a Top 10 player. Pegula will look to keep that trend going.
Andreeva vs. Vekic: Youth Meets Experience
Mirra Andreeva continues to impress. The 18-year-old is fresh off a title run in Adelaide, where she topped fellow teen Victoria Mboko in the final. She’s 10-1 in first-round Slam matches, and her confidence is sky-high.
But Donna Vekic is no stranger to Melbourne success. The Croatian has made the quarters here (2023) and reached the fourth round twice more. Her 16-13 record at the Australian Open is her best at any Slam, and she won’t be fazed by the spotlight or the moment.
This one has the makings of a tough, high-quality battle.
Mboko Debuts, Faces Wild Card Challenge
Speaking of Victoria Mboko, she’s making her Australian Open main-draw debut after a taxing run in Adelaide. The 17th seed has spent the last couple of days focused on recovery, hoping to recharge in time for her opener against wild card Emerson Jones.
Mboko has handled lower-ranked opponents well-she’s won her last six matches against players outside the Top 100. Jones, ranked No. 155, is still looking for her first main-draw win in Melbourne and has yet to beat a Top 20 player.
Shnaider vs. Krejcikova: First-Round Firepower
If you’re circling one first-round match as a must-watch, Diana Shnaider vs. Barbora Krejcikova might be it.
Shnaider was a semifinalist last week in Adelaide, showing sharp form in her 2026 debut. She reached the third round here in 2024 and is looking to build on that.
Krejcikova, a two-time Slam champion, brings experience and a perfect 5-0 record in Australian Open first rounds. She also went 2-1 at the United Cup, showing she’s in solid shape heading into the season’s first major.
Day 2 Order of Play Highlights
Here’s what fans can look forward to on Day 2 in Melbourne:
Rod Laver Arena (Starts 11:30 a.m. local / 7:30 p.m. ET Sunday):
- Coco Gauff [3] vs. Kamilla Rakhimova
- Matteo Berrettini vs. Alex de Minaur [6]
Evening Session (7 p.m. local / 3 a.m. ET Monday):
- Yuan Yue vs. Iga Swiatek [2]
- Pedro Martinez vs. Novak Djokovic [4]
Margaret Court Arena:
- Daniil Medvedev [11] vs.
Jesper de Jong
- Simona Waltert vs.
Amanda Anisimova [4]
Evening:
- Donna Vekic vs. Mirra Andreeva [8]
- Mattia Bellucci vs. Casper Ruud [12]
John Cain Arena:
- Nuno Borges vs.
Felix Auger-Aliassime [7]
- Jessica Pegula [6] vs.
Anastasia Zakharova
- Yuliia Starodubtseva vs.
Ajla Tomljanovic
- Alexei Popyrin vs.
Alexandre Muller
KIA Arena:
- Storm Hunter vs.
Jessica Bouzas Maneiro
- Matteo Arnaldi vs.
Andrey Rublev [13]
- Laslo Djere vs.
Stan Wawrinka
- Barbora Krejcikova vs.
Diana Shnaider [23]
1573 Arena:
- Magda Linette vs.
Emma Navarro [15]
- Juan Manuel Cerundolo vs.
Jordan Thompson
- Victoria Mboko [17] vs.
Emerson Jones
- Jiri Lehecka [17] vs.
Arthur Gea
ANZ Arena:
- Sofia Kenin [27] vs.
Peyton Stearns
- Priscilla Hon vs.
Marina Stakusic
- Thiago Agustin Tirante vs.
Aleksandar Vukic
Bottom Line
The stage is set in Melbourne. Swiatek’s chasing history.
Gauff’s growing into her prime. Anisimova, Pegula, and Andreeva are all knocking on the door.
And with a packed Day 2 slate, the 2026 Australian Open is already delivering intrigue, intensity, and the promise of something special.