Aryna Sabalenka continues to showcase her prowess at the Australian Open, defeating Rakotomanga Rajaonah in her opening match. This victory adds to her impressive track record in Australia, where she has been a formidable contender.
Aryna Sabalenka’s Strong Form in Australia
Sabalenka boasts a remarkable history in the Australian Open, having lost only one set across her last two title runs in 2023 and 2024. Her overall performance in this tournament is impressive; she has only lost one of her last 22 matches here. This defeat came in last year’s final against Madison Keys, which ended in three sets.
Impressive Record and Preparation
The Belarusian has excelled on Australian soil, winning five of her 22 career singles titles here. Ahead of the 2026 Open, she warmed up by clinching a victory at the Brisbane International, showcasing her readiness for the major tournament.
Match Overview: Sabalenka vs. Rajaonah
In her match against world number 118 Rakotomanga Rajaonah, Sabalenka faced unexpected challenges. Her first set was particularly messy, marked by a broken serve in the opening game. Despite breaking back almost immediately, she ended up with 16 winners overshadowed by 13 unforced errors.
- First Set Highlights:
- Broken in the first game
- Responded with a break back
- 16 winners to 13 unforced errors
As the match progressed, Sabalenka regained her composure. After saving a crucial break point at 4-4, she dominated the latter stages, winning five consecutive games to assert control.
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on her performance, Sabalenka acknowledged her slow start. “I didn’t start my best. She showed up on fire and she was playing great,” she noted. With ambitions to reach a fourth consecutive Australian Open final, she now looks forward to her next challenge.
Sabalenka’s upcoming match will be against either Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova or Bai Zhuoxuan. Furthermore, she might face British star Emma Raducanu in the third round. As the tournament progresses, expectations remain high for the talented Belarusian.
