Key events
Back on Rod Laver, the newly engaged Hanfmann is starting to go through his final preperations before he heads out to meet the crowd.
A serene ocean backdrop is emblazoned on the video screens surrounding him – probably a contrast to the storm that awaits him on the court.
Around the precinct, Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria has kept his clash with Andrey Rublev (13) alive by taking the third set and Daniil Medvedev (11) is being pressured early by Quentin Halys, who has forced his well-credentialled foe to a tiebreak in the opening set.
Reilly Opelka and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (14) have just got things underway on the Kia Arena, as have Victoria Mboko (17) and Caty McNally on the 1573 Arena, Polina Kudermetova and Clara Tauson (14) on Court 6, and Tomas Martin Etcheverry and qualifier Arthur Fery on Court 7.
Baptiste has broken Hunter early in their second set on ANZ Arena, while Yulia Putintseva has just completed a comfortable straight sets win over Elsa Jacquemot, claiming the match 6-1, 6-2.
To once again recap the already completed around Melbourne Park today, beyond our featured Sabalenka win.
Elina Svitolina (12) moved past Linda Klimovicova on John Cain Arena, while Francisco Cerundolo (18) and Tommy Paul (19) made relatively quick work of Damir Dzumhur and Thiago Agustin Tirante.
Zeynep Sonmez defeated Anna Bondar in other women’s singles action, as local wildcard Talia Gibson fell to Diana Shnaider (23) and Fabian Marozsan has moved past Kamil Majchrzak after winning a third set tiebreak.
Aussie pair Lizette Cabrera and Taylah Preston downed Xinyu Wang and Saisai Zheng in the women’s doubles, while the fifth seeded pairing of Gabriela Dabrowski and Luisa Stefani eased past McCartney Kessler and Jessica Pegula. It won’t take long for Kessler and Pegula to reunite, however: they’re scheduled to face each other in the second round of the women’s singles – Pegula seeded sixth in that draw.
Hanfmann booked his place on Rod Laver Arena today by defeating Zachary Svajda in the first round, taking out a 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3) win over the American in just under three hours.
It’s the first time that the German has advanced to the second round here in Melbourne since the one and only other time he did so back in 2022, when he eliminated local favourite Thanasi Kokkinakis in straight sets only to be bounced himself by Rafael Nadal.
The only other time he has advanced to the second round of a Grand Slam came at the French Open back in 2023. But alas for his hopes of a third round breakthrough in 2026 he’s now got to deal with Alcaraz.
How did this pair get here?
Alcaraz didn’t have it all his own way but ultimately moved past Queenslander Adam Walton in straight sets in the first round, winning 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), 6-2 in just over two hours on Rod Laver Arena.
Seeking to claim the one Grand Slam that has so far eluded him in his career – or even just make it past the quarterfinals in Melbourne for just the first time, the men’s top seed and world number one had some praise for the Australian, who broke him in the second set and took him to a tie break.
“It was, I would say, a difficult match for me,” Alcaraz said.
“In the first set, just one break … I think he was playing really good, really solid. I think he was trying to find the position to attack every time he could.
“Then, in the second set I think he found more spots to be aggressive … it was then more complicated for me.”
Ultimately, though, showing his class, the Spaniard ground down his Australian challenger.
“For Alcaraz, I think he moves a bit different to the rest of the guys on the tour,” Walton said.
“He has that extra venom on the short balls and on the balls that sit up a little bit more.
“Anytime he can get set on a forehand, he hits it at a different speed that I’m not used to.”
Thanks Jo and howdy y’all! It’s ya boi Joey Lynch.
I’ll be sure to keep bringing you updates on the fortunes of Hunter and Baptiste but as Jo said, for now we’re going to switch focus back onto Rod Laver Arena, where Carlos Alcaraz (1) will soon take the court against Yannick Hanfmann.
Jo Khan
Joey Lynch is here now to cover Alcaraz v Hanfmann. Thanks for joining me!
Baptiste wins first set 6-2
*Hunter 2-6 Baptiste Her serve isn’t as strong as Baptiste’s but nonetheless Hunter is forcing the errors from the American. The Australian takes the advantage with a scrambling backhand. But Baptiste brings it back to deuce with a backhand down the line. Baptiste has her first set point with a leap and a volley. And takes the first set as Hunter overhits.
Elsewhere, Talia Gibson has gone down to Russian Diana Schnaider.
Hunter 2-5 Baptiste* A serve and volley doesn’t work for Baptiste but Hunter is struggling to handle her first serve. Two unforced errors from Hunter on return and one mishit backhand and Baptiste has the game.
*Hunter 2-4 Baptiste Baptiste fires a forehand which Hunter can’t read and is left standing helpless in the middle of the court. Hunter is into the game after Baptiste overhits her return. Hunter hands away break point though after hitting a forehand wide. Back to deuce, Hunter comes to the net with a measured drop shot to take the advantage and her final serve is too much for Baptiste to return. Hunter holds.
Hunter 1-4 Baptiste* Let’s go to ANZ Arena where Hunter is playing Baptiste, down four games to one at the moment.
Around the grounds
Other results are starting to trickle in from around Melbourne Park this afternoon. Over on John Cain Arena, Sweden’s Elina Svitolina (12) had defeated Poland’s Linda Klimovicova 7-5, 6-1.
Across to Margaret Court where Russia’s Andrey Rublev (13) is up two sets on Portugal’s Jamie Faria.
Flying the home flag is wildcard Talia Gibson up against Diana Schnaider (23). They have one set each and its 3-4 to the Russian in the third.
Daniil Medvedev (11) has just started against Quentin Halys on John Cain. As has Australian Storm Hunter against Hailey Baptiste on ANZ Arena.
In the women’s doubles, Australian pair Cabrera and Preston have defeated China’s Wang and Zheng in straight sets.
At the Australian Open there is a huge celebration of the tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley and First Nations cultures. Melbourne Park is highlighting Indigenous art and music today, as well as the work that Cawley’s foundation does giving First Nations children the opportunity to give tennis a go.
Here are a few pics from the match.
Sabalenka will face either Anastasia Potapova or Emma Raducanu in the third round. They play on ANZ Arena this afternoon.
I am SO happy that Bai actually got into that match though. My goodness she looked like she was going to roll over at the start, but after the first four games she found some rhythm, fought her way back into it. Sabalenka is undeniably in another class but she struggled to stay consistent.
Sabalenka is speaking on court now.
I feel great, happy to get this win. She was a tricky opponent, she stepped in the first set. I thought ‘what should I do, she is crushing it.’
I was trying to tell myself just one at a time, keep fighting.
Sabalenka beats Bai 6-3, 6-1
Sabalenka (1) 5-1 6-3 Bai* Sabalenka absolutely charges to the finish line! It all ends as Bai slams a backhand into the net. That was NOT as easy as it looked like it was going to be at the start.
*Sabalenka (1) 5-1 6-3 Bai Sabalenka is too good for Bai, ending the first rally with a classy volley into the open corner. Oof yes a lovely drop shot from Bai to end the second rally in her favour. When Bai comes to the net she does not panic, unlike Sabalenka who has appeared rushed at times. That said, she is No 1 for a reason and doesn’t waste any more time in this game, two forehand winners, one straight down the line and one juicy slice to wrap it up.
Sabalenka (1) 4-1 6-3 Bai* Sabalenka is making Bai work hard even on serve. She has two break points but a nice serve from Bai followed by a perfectly placed forehand right in the corner takes them to deuce. Bai saves another break point then takes advantage as Sabalenka’s forehand return soars past her. Bai holds after Sabalenka again fluffs her return. The World No 1 shouts in anger as she loses that one.
*Sabalenka (1) 4-0 6-3 Bai The sun is out in Melbourne and I just have no idea how Sabalenka plays without a cap (obviously she is very used to it, but it makes me squint just watching). The Belarusian’s serve is firing, Bai unable to make good contact for two three points in a row. Bai can forces two errors, Sabalenka shouts in frustration, it’s deuce. An ace at 152kmh gets her the advantage, no chance for Bai. And Bai can’t handle Sabalenka’s backhand down the line, sending her shot past the baseline.
Sabalenka (1) 3-0 6-3 Bai* Bai stays calm and runs in to meet Sabalenka’s first return, dropping it just over the net out of reach. The next Bai wins with a forehand right on the sideline. Sabalenka gets it back to 30-all with a monstrous backhand. Bai double faults to give away advantage and Sabalenka shows her class, breaking Bai with a dangerous forehand.
*Sabalenka (1) 2-0 6-3 Bai Bai wins the first point with a lovely volley back past Sabalenka, who then loses the second by attempting the same. Plenty of unforced errors on both sides here, Sabalenka with only a few less than Bai. Sabalenka takes advantage with an ace, back to deuce, another ace and Sabalenka ties it up with a powerful forehand crosscourt.
Sabalenka (1) 1-0 6-3 Bai* Bai is serving to start the second set. Can she keep up this energy? We are getting a bit more variety now. Sabalenka pushes Bai around the court before coming to the net and taking the point with a half-volley. At 30-30 another devent rally and Bai just can’t keep up, Sabalenka winning with a strong backhand across her body. She wraps up the game with some great shots. That was much better from the World No 1.
Sabalenka wins first set 6-3
*Sabalenka (1) 6-3 Bai I thought this was heading rapidly towards 6-0 but Bai has entered the match now. Sabalenka is getting frustrated with her mistakes, some patience is needed. Sabalenka goes from winning a point by snapping a forehand down the line, to losing the next with a silly unforced error. Set point is up again for the fifth time but Bai brings it back to deuce with a clever soft volley falling short of Sabalenka.
Sixth set point. Sabalenka with too much power again! Seventh set point and finally she has it, Bai can’t get on top of her powerful serve. First set to the Belarusian.
Sabalenka (1) 5-3 Bai* Bai looked like a different player at the end of that game (and in this one) compared to the first few. A strong first serve forces an error from Sabalenka. Bai’s serves have improved too, Sabalenka looks uncomfortable unable to move her body out of the way to return smoothly. But a lovely forehand from Sabalenka to the top corner brings them to deuce. Bai overhits a backhand across the court to give Sabalenka the first set point but its back to deuce from an unforced error.
On third deuce and Bai’s first double fault for the match gives Sabalenka second set point which she squanders. Now it’s her third go at set point but she finds the net. Fourth set point lost! Sabalenka is sending her forehands flying over the baseline.
The game is going over 10 minutes (longest by FAR). Bai wins! Her final volley hits the net but pops up and over. Sorry Sabalenka.
*Sabalenka (1) 5-2 Bai* I don’t think Sabalenka is happy to have lost a game. There is some added aggression to her and it’s resulting in her overhitting. She loses the first two points. Bai has perhaps also adjusted now to the pace of play. Sabalenka hits the net and Bai has her first break point. And she breaks Sabalenka!
Sabalenka (1) 5-1 Bai* They’ve only been playing for less than 20 minutes so far. The sixth game starts with the longest rally so far which ends with an unforced error from Bai. She rebounds nicely with an ace though, that’s her third point. Sabalenka is trying to keep coming forward but it’s not always working, as evident in her exasperation. Bai hits a second ace and then forces an error from Sabalenka at full stretch to win her first game!
*Sabalenka (1) 5-0 Bai Sabalenka goes for the serve volley and nails it, then tries again the second point and hits the net. Third go works to but it’s not seamless. She follows with a classy ace. Oh and a lovely backhand winner from Bai (first winner of the match) on return. Sabalenka responds by pushing in close and slamming down a volley just to remind everyone who is on top here.
Sabalenka (1) 4-0 Bai* Really hoping Bai can warm up and get into some sort of groove. At the moment it’s very straightforward for Sabalenka, who is smashing Bai’s serve back with disdain. The fourth game is over in three minutes. Bai is being pommelled.
*Sabalenka (1) 3-0 Bai Bai finally has a point. Sabalenka goes for a backhand across the court and it doesn’t have the height to go over. A double fault follows, then Bai hoops her return over the baseline. Even Sabalenka’s second serve is too much for Bai, who gives the third game away with two unforced errors.
Sabalenka (1) 2-0 Bai* Bai starts with a slower second serve which Sabalenka easily returns and Bai meekly hits her backhand into the net. Bai is clearly nowhere near Sabalenka’s level. The Belarusian takes the second game and Bai hasn’t got a point yet.
Quiet please. PLAY!
*Sabalenka (1) 1-0 Bai Sabalenka dominates from the get-go. Hitting two backhand winners off Bai’s serve return. She’s loud and looking confident. Make that three, Bai doesn’t even bother stretching to reach it. And the first game is done and dust in slightly over two minutes as Sabalenka fires down a forehand which Bai flails towards but can’t make any contact.
Beautiful conditions out on Rod Laver Arena, I can report from my desk about 40km away.
The warmup is complete. Here we go.
Sabalenka and Bai are on the court, the coin is tossed and the No 1 will serve. They will have a short on-court warmup now.
It’s Bai’s second time playing in the second round here in Melbourne.
Fashion notes: Sabalenka is in her BRIGHT orange, pink and black dress. Bai is in a classic (almost football jersey-esque) blue T-shirt, black shorts and white cap.
On to the match at hand, and Sabalenka will be hoping for a smoother run than her first-round match in which French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah provided a somewhat tricky start.
The Belarusian is, of course, a two-time Australian Open champion already, after lifting the trophy in 2023 and 2024. Last year she lost to American Madison Keys in the final.
Elsewhere around Melbourne Park, defending women’s singles champion, Madison Keys, overcame a wobbly start to defeat Ukrainian Oleksandra Oliynykova, who was nearly successful in throwing off her opponent with her unusual style.
Tumaini Carayol took a closer look at that encounter:
And Jannik Sinner powered through to the second round after retired.
… Australia’s day three recap continued …
There were torturous late-night losses suffered by Daria Kasatkina and Kimberly Birrell, but Australia still has six women in the second round.
Nikola Bartunkova defeated Kasatkina 7-6 (7), 0-6, 6-3 in a topsy-turvy contest. And Maddison Inglis who defeated Birrell 7-6 (6), 6-7 (9), 6-4 in an all-Australian clash that lasted three hours.
But in exciting news, earlier Dane Sweeny and James Duckworth increased the count of Australian men in the second round to five. Duckworth outlasted the Croatian lucky loser Dino Prizmic in five sets by winning the last two.
Sweeny, 24, shared a compelling meeting of opposites which also marked the final appearance at Melbourne Park for the French veteran Gaël Monfils. The Australian dropped to the ground in elation after defeating the 39-year-old from France 6-7 (3), 7-5, 6-4, 7-5
Australia day three recap
OK tennis, yes! There were shocks, heartbreak and elation as one little known local knocked out a much-loved veteran.
It started with Australia’s top-ranked women’s singles player, Maya Joint, losing her opening match to Tereza Valentova in straight sets 6-4, 6-4. She was understandably devasted by vowed to come back stronger.
Then, local wildcard Taylah Preston defeated China’s Shuai Zhang, 6-3, 2-6, 6-3, which was her first grand slam win ever! Preston now meets 13th seed Linda Noskova of Czech Republic.
Before I get into any kind of day three tennis recapping, we need to take a moment for the outfit of the day (or maybe of the tournament?).
Of course it was the one and only Naomi Osaka who completely stole the show with her entrance on to Rod Laver for the final match of the evening session.
Guardian journalist Matilda Boseley messaged me urgently about this, and summarised my feelings well.
Literally screaming crying throwing up over Osaka’s outfit. Amazing.
More players need to get around this walk-on outfit trend. Maybe Sinner could dress up as a mustard bottle.
Preamble
Jo Khan
Hello and welcome to our Australian Open day four blog. I’m Jo Khan and I’m here to bring you the action from women’s No 1 Aryna Sabalenka v Zhuoxuan Bai who are up first on Rod Laver Arena this morning.
Then my colleague Joey Lynch will take over to cover the men’s No 1 Carlos Alcaraz v Yannick Hanfmann following on centre court.
The two top singles players breezed through their opening matches – and the same is certainly expected for Sabalenka today. Alcaraz faces the No 102 ranked men’s singles player who may make him work for it a little more.
It’s overcast in Melbourne this morning, and considerably cooler than yesterday, which I imagine both players and spectators will be happy about.
Any thoughts, please do send me an email to jo.khan@theguardian.com.
Let’s go!
