Tennis fever hits Melbourne as the 2026 Australian Open swings into action this Sunday, promising thrilling serves, fierce rallies, and history-making moments.
World number one Carlos Alcaraz eyes glory as he kicks off his campaign against local hopeful Adam Walton, while Aryna Sabalenka aims to continue her hard-court dominance against Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah.
At just 22, Alcaraz is on the brink of making history, potentially becoming the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam. His first-round clash with Walton recalls their previous encounter at the Queen’s Club Championships, where Alcaraz triumphed in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6(4).
The Spaniard has openly declared that a maiden Melbourne Park title is his top target for the 2026 season, over defending his French Open and U.S. Open crowns.
Belarusian star Sabalenka, a force on hard courts, has reached the finals in her last six major hard-court appearances, claiming four titles. She kicks off her tournament against 118th-ranked Rakotomanga Rajaonah, fresh off a flawless Brisbane International campaign where she didn’t drop a set. Expect the world number one to dominate from the baseline with her trademark power and precision.
Tennis legend Venus Williams is back at Melbourne Park for the first time since 2021, entering as a wildcard. At 45, she’s set to become the oldest woman to compete in the Australian Open main draw, surpassing Kimiko Date’s record.
Facing Olga Danilovic in the first round, Williams is eager to showcase her experience, despite a rocky start to the season. “Winning and losing doesn’t know any age. Once you walk on court, you’re there to compete,” she said ahead of the tournament.
Sunday Showdown: Order of Play
Rod Laver Arena
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Day Session (1130 AEDT / 0030 GMT):
Aliaksandra Sasnovich (BLR) vs 7-Jasmine Paolini (ITA)
3-Alexander Zverev (GER) vs Gabriel Diallo (CAN) -
Night Session (1900 AEDT / 0800 GMT):
1-Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) vs Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah (FRA)
1-Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) vs Adam Walton (AUS)
Margaret Court Arena
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Day Session (1130 AEDT / 0030 GMT):
Maria Sakkari (GRE) vs Leolia Jeanjean (FRA)
18-Francisco Cerundolo (ARG) vs Zhang Zhizhen (CHN) -
Night Session (1900 AEDT / 0800 GMT):
10-Alexander Bublik (KAZ) vs Jenson Brooksby (USA)
Mananchaya Sawangkaew (THA) vs 28-Emma Raducanu (GBR)
John Cain Arena
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Day Session (1100 AEDT / 0000 GMT):
Arthur Fery (GBR) vs 20-Flavio Cobolli (ITA)
With star-studded line-ups, seasoned veterans, and rising talents all ready to serve, smash, and rally, Sunday promises high-voltage action for tennis fans around the world.
