The first Grand Slam of the 2026 tennis season has kicked off under the Melbourne sun, with the opening day of the Australian Open delivering immediate drama and a significant upset.
British Underdog Stuns Seeded Italian
The day's first major shock came courtesy of Britain's Arthur Fery, who produced a stunning victory over the tournament's 20th seed, Flavio Cobolli. In a result that will reverberate through the draw, the unseeded Fery outplayed his higher-ranked opponent to secure a memorable win on the opening Sunday, 18th January 2026.
Elsewhere in the early matches, British hopes were also carried by Cameron Norrie, who made a dominant start against France's Benjamin Bonzi, seizing the first set 6-0. Meanwhile, on other courts, American Francis Tiafoe, the 29th seed, held a firm lead over Australian qualifier Jason Kubler.
Star-Studded Schedule Unfolds on Day One
The day's order of play is packed with marquee names, ensuring a thrilling start to the fortnight. Defending champion and world number one Aryna Sabalenka is set to begin her title defence on Rod Laver Arena against Tiantso Rakotomanga Rajaonah.
Joining her on the show courts will be the charismatic Carlos Alcaraz, while British favourite Emma Raducanu is also scheduled for action. In a highly anticipated match, the ever-popular Venus Williams is poised to make her latest Grand Slam appearance, adding a veteran's presence to the day's proceedings.
Withdrawals and Tight Contests
There was late news off the court as well, with Matteo Berrettini's withdrawal handing Australia's Alex de Minaur a walkover and an easier path into the second round.
On the courts, several matches were going down to the wire. A deciding set was underway between Sebastian Korda and Michael Zheng, while the big-serving Alexander Bublik, now seeded 10th, prepared to face Jenson Brooksby.
The atmosphere at Melbourne Park is electric as the tennis world turns its focus to the first major of the year. With an upset already in the books and a galaxy of stars still to take to the court, day one of the 2026 Australian Open has set a compelling precedent for the fortnight ahead.
