MELBOURNE: The first round of the Australian Open begins in Melbourne on Sunday, with the world’s top players ready to launch their campaigns at the season’s opening Grand Slam.
Men’s world number one Carlos Alcaraz will headline the action as he takes on Australian Adam Walton. At just 22, the Spaniard has a chance to make history by becoming the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam, surpassing Don Budge, if he lifts the trophy at Melbourne Park.
Alcaraz has been clear about his priorities for 2026, stating that winning his first Australian Open title matters more to him than defending his French or US Open crowns. His challenge starts against Walton, whom he defeated in straight sets during his title-winning run at Queen’s Club last year.
On the women’s side, world number one Aryna Sabalenka begins her quest for a third Australian Open title against France’s Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah. Sabalenka boasts an outstanding record at hard-court Grand Slams, having reached the final in her last six appearances on the surface and winning four of them.
The Belarusian arrives in Melbourne in strong form after successfully defending her Brisbane International title without dropping a set, and she will be confident against the 118th-ranked Rakotomanga Rajaonah as she looks to extend her dominance at Melbourne Park.
