The first day of the Australian Open is rarely about the trophy. It’s about nerves. About survival and progress. When the first Grand Slam of the year finally begins, players try to steady themselves under the weight of expectations.
For Carlos Alcaraz, his weight was evident the moment he stepped onto Rod Laver Arena.
No. 1 in the world 1 open his 2026 It was a straight sets win over Australian wildcard Adam Walton, who moved with efficiency and purpose to begin another attempt to conquer the only Grand Slam that had eluded him so far. No drama, no fear, just a reminder that when Alcaraz is locked down, few players can match his speed or imagination. The draw can get stiff quickly, but day one is all about setting the tone.
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Aryna Sabalenka did the same thing.
The two-time defending champion shrugged off an early challenge from French qualifier Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah before proving his quality in a match-winning performance. 6-4, 6-1 Victory under the lights. Sabalenka’s strength eventually proved to be the case and, as so often happens in Melbourne, her game proved to be well-suited to the local conditions. It wasn’t flawless, but it was under control — which is what the top seeds want in their first match.
Elsewhere, the tournament’s usual unpredictability made its presence felt.
Germany’s Alexander Zverev lost the first set to Canada’s Gabriel Diallo, then regrouped and advanced to the semi-finals. As for women, 11Turkish qualifier Zeynep Sonmez knocked out third seed Ekaterina Alexandrova, her composure never wavering even when play was briefly paused when a ball boy collapsed in the heat. Sonmez stopped to help and then delivered the biggest win of her career, a moment that resonated beyond the score.
There is also history.
Venus Williams competes in Australian Open main draw 45 Years old, becoming the oldest woman ever. She pushed Serbia’s Olga Danilovic to three sets before losing in a hard-fought match, displaying a determination that would define her career. Williams led throughout the deciding set, and for a moment, it felt like it was possible. Ultimately, the results don’t matter so much as the reminder of what she did for the sport – and how much of an impact she still has on the court.
The venue itself tells another story.
Record crowds descended on Melbourne Park, prompting organizers to halt ground pass sales and fans queuing in the sun. The Australian Open has always prided itself on its accessibility, but it was clear from day one just how popular and huge the event has become.
By the end of the night, many of the favorites had moved on, a few contenders had left, and the tournament was starting to take shape. This is the rhythm of day one in Melbourne: not a conclusion, but a beginning.
The Australian Open doesn’t award a champion on day one. Instead, it raises questions. some players replied. Others will not get another chance.
