The 2026 Australian Open is already heating up! Our Aussie tennis stars are making waves, and the first week has delivered some thrilling victories. Let's dive into which home-grown heroes have stormed through the initial rounds.
This article brings you the latest updates, so you're always in the know. We'll be updating this daily, so keep checking back for fresh results!
Men's Singles: Aussies on the Rise
Alex De Minaur: Known as "The Demon," De Minaur dominated his first match, swiftly defeating American Mackenzie McDonald in straight sets. The match lasted just under 2 hours on Monday. Up next, he faces Serbian Hamad Medjedovic on Wednesday, January 21st. Match time is yet to be announced.
Jordan Thompson: This seasoned pro, aged 31, battled through a tiebreak in the first set against Argentine Juan Manuel Cerundolo but rallied to win in straight sets. Thompson's next challenge is against Nuno Borges from Portugal on Wednesday, January 21st. Match time is still to be confirmed.
Rinky Hijikata: At 24, Hijikata secured his spot in the second round with a straight-sets victory over France's Adrian Mannarino on Monday night. He's set to compete against Morocco’s Valentin Vacherot on Wednesday, January 21st. Match time is yet to be announced.
Women's Singles: Aussie Women Making Their Mark
Ajla Tomljanović: The 32-year-old showcased incredible resilience, mounting a comeback against Ukrainian Yuliia Volodymyrivna Starodubtseva at John Cain Arena on Monday night after dropping the first set. She's scheduled to face Romanian Elena-Gabriela Ruse on Wednesday, January 21st. Match time is still pending.
Talia Gibson: The 21-year-old wildcard delivered a career-defining win, defeating Russia’s Anna Blinkova in straight sets with a commanding performance. Gibson will face another Russian, Diana Shnaider, in the second round on Wednesday, January 21st. Match time is yet to be announced.
Priscilla Hon: Hon celebrated her first Australian Open match win in six years on Monday, benefiting from a walkover against Canadian Marina Stakusic. The final score was 1-6, 6-4, 5-3 after two hours of play. In a heartwarming display of sportsmanship, Hon assisted her injured opponent off the court. Hon will face American Iva Jović in the second round on Wednesday, January 21st. Match time is yet to be announced.
Storm Hunter: The 2022 US Open mixed doubles champion, Hunter, advanced to the second round by defeating Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-4, 6-4 on Monday. She's set to face American rising star Hailey Baptiste on Wednesday, January 21st. Match time is yet to be announced.
Taylah Preston: Wildcard Taylah Preston stunned Kia Arena on Tuesday by defeating doubles world No.15 Zhang Shuai 6-3, 2-6, 6-3 to book a place in the second round. The 20-year-old Aussie looked emotional as she pinched the late break to seal the match, and again when she spoke on court.
"I’m just really, really happy to get the win today, my first grand slam win," she said.
Matches to Watch Today:
Men's: Chris O’Connell vs. Nishesh Basavareddy; Dane Sweeny vs. Gaël Monfils (at 1.20pm); James Duckworth vs. Dino Prizmic (127 world ranking) (1.40pm).
Women's: Daria Kasatkina (48 world ranking) vs. Nikola Bartunkova (126 world ranking) (2.30pm); Kimberly Birrell (107 world ranking) vs. Maddison Inglis (163 world ranking) (6.40pm).
What do you think? Are you excited about the Aussies' performance? Which matches are you most looking forward to? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
