Australian Open 2026: Aryna Sabalenka beats Rakotomanga Rajaonah in front of Roger Federer and Rod Laver
Sabalenka has an impressive record in Australia, dropping just one set en route to back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024, and has lost just once in her past 22 matches – a surprise three-set loss to American Madison Keys in last year’s final.
Her good form isn’t limited to Melbourne’s blue courts, either – five of her 22 career singles titles have been won on Australian soil, including a victory at the Brisbane International in preparation for this year’s Grand Slam.
However, Sabalenka didn’t quite have her way against world No. 118 Rakotomanga Rajaonah.
In an uncharacteristic first set, Sabalenka was broken in the first set. Although she broke immediately, 16 winners were offset by 13 unforced errors.
After saving a break point at 4-4, the game became increasingly one-sided and Sabalenka took control of the situation in five consecutive games.
“I didn’t play my best. She came out hot and played great,” said Sabalenka, who is seeking a fourth straight Australian Open final.
Sabalenka will face Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova or Bai Zhuoxuan in the second round, and British player Emma Raducanu may become her opponent in the third round.
