Australian Open 2026: Aryna Sabalenka defeats Rakotomanga Rajaona vs. Roger Federer and Rod Laver

Sabalenka has an impressive record in Australia, where she lost just one set on her way to winning back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024, and has lost only one match in her last 22 matches in the tournament, a surprise three-set defeat 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 singles titles have come on Australian soil, including warming up to this year’s major with a win at the Brisbane International.

However, Sabalenka did not have everything she could against world number 118 Rakotomanga Rajaona.

In an unusually chaotic first set, Sabalenka’s serve was broken in the first game of the match, and although she returned serve immediately, 16 winners were canceled out by 13 unforced errors.

After saving a break point to make it 4-4, the match became increasingly one-sided, with Sabalenka riding out five straight games to take control of the match.

Sabalenka, who is seeking to reach the final of the Australian Open for the fourth time in a row, said, “I did not start with my best ability. She appeared brilliant and gave a wonderful performance.”

In the second round, Sabalenka will face either Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova or Bai Chuxuan, and she will likely face British Emma Raducano in the third round.