Ben Shelton, left, of the U.S. serves to Jannik Sinner of Italy on Rod Laver Arena during their semifinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) AP

The 2026 Australian Open moves into its third day in Melbourne with more first-round action in men’s and women’s singles and the opening round of doubles.

Aryna Sabalenka is the player to beat in the women’s singles draw at the Australian Open this year. Sabalenka finished the 2025 season as the world number one, with the Belarusian winning four titles including the US Open.

The Filipino star is creating questions over the balance between ranking and popularity when it comes to court assignments.

Players struggled with cramp and injuries on the second day of the Australian Open on Monday, headlined by the retirement of seventh seed Felix Auger-Aliassime while his compatriot Marina Stakusic needed a wheelchair to leave the court.

Reigning Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner begins his quest for a third consecutive title Down Under on Day 3. Naomi Osaka, Ben Shelton, Taylor Fritz, and Madison Keys will also feature as the final first round matches are contested.

Preview the the 2026 Australian Open match between Hamad Medjedovic vs. Alex de Minaur, plus betting odds, insights and head-to-head-stats.

The top three American women in the 2026 Australian Open draw all cruised through their first-round matches on Monday.

The No. 2-ranked Swiatek beat No. 130-ranked Chinese qualifier Yuan Yue in the first round on Monday night, and Djokovic equaled two all-time tennis marks by starting his 21st Australian Open and his 81st Grand Slam tournament.

Carlos Alcaraz began his Australian Open campaign on Sunday, defeating Adam Walton in the first round. There looked to be trouble on the horizon when the Spaniard’s serve was broken midway through the second set.