Aryna Sabalenka Shakes Off Early Nerves to Power Through Australian Open Opener
MELBOURNE — Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka knows better than most that Grand Slam titles aren’t won in the opening minutes of a first-round match. Still, even for the world No. 1, the start of her Australian Open campaign came with nerves, pressure, and an early wobble before she found her familiar dominance.
Sabalenka steadied herself to defeat 20-year-old French wild card Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah 6–4, 6–1 on Sunday at Australian Open, launching her bid for a third title in Melbourne with a composed, if hard-earned, straight-sets win.
A Nervy Opening on the Biggest Stage
The opening moments were far from smooth. Sabalenka dropped the first three points of the match and immediately lost her opening service game, an unusual sight for a player who has dominated Rod Laver Arena in recent years.
“It was a tricky start,” Sabalenka admitted afterward. “She was playing great, and I didn’t start my best.”
The occasion clearly played a role. Sitting courtside were two of tennis’ most iconic figures — Rod Laver and Roger Federer — watching from adjacent seats.
“I was walking and thinking, ‘Don’t look there, don’t look there,’” Sabalenka said with a smile. “There was definitely a lot of pressure. I wanted to show great tennis so you guys enjoyed watching me play.”
Regaining Control and Finding Rhythm
Once Sabalenka settled into the match, the difference in firepower and experience became clear. She began striking the ball with more authority, raising her first-serve percentage and dictating rallies with her trademark power from the baseline.
Rakotomanga Rajaonah, a left-hander playing with fearless aggression, made Sabalenka work in the first set. But as errors crept into the Frenchwoman’s game, Sabalenka seized her opening, breaking late to take the set 6–4.
From there, momentum swung decisively. Sabalenka raced through the second set, losing just one game as she found her rhythm and closed the match with confidence.
“I’m super happy I found my rhythm at the end,” she said. “First matches are always about figuring out where you are.”
Defending Champion Under the Spotlight
Sabalenka arrived in Melbourne as one of the tournament’s biggest attractions. She lifted the Australian Open trophy in 2023 and 2024 and was runner-up last year, falling to Madison Keys in the final. Her form heading into the season has been equally impressive, highlighted by a title in Brisbane that included a quarterfinal victory over Keys.
The win over Rakotomanga Rajaonah extended Sabalenka’s run at the top of the rankings, marking her 74th consecutive week as the world No. 1, a remarkable streak that underlines her consistency at the highest level.
A Busy Opening Day in Melbourne
Sabalenka’s match headlined an eventful opening afternoon at Melbourne Park. Several seeded players were tested, and a few were sent packing early.
Former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova withdrew before her scheduled first-round match due to a shoulder injury. Her spot in the draw was taken by lucky loser Taylor Townsend, who faced Hailey Baptiste in an all-American clash. Baptiste emerged victorious after a grueling 2½-hour battle, winning 6–3, 6–7 (3), 6–3.
Aryna Sabalenka survives a tricky first-round test at the Australian Open, finding her rhythm to begin another title defense
Elsewhere, Elina Svitolina and Maria Sakkari advanced comfortably in straight sets, while seventh seed Jasmine Paolini cruised past Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6–1, 6–2.
There were also early shocks. Elsa Jacquemot ousted No. 11 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in three sets, continuing a trend of unpredictability in the opening rounds.
A Moment of Humanity on Court
One of the most touching moments of the day came during the match involving Turkish qualifier Zeynep Sonmez, who paused play in the second set to assist a ball kid struggling in the Melbourne heat. Tournament medical staff quickly stepped in, earning applause from the crowd.
Sabalenka’s Mindset Moving Forward
Despite the early nerves, Sabalenka left the court satisfied with how she handled the challenge.
“First matches are always tricky,” she said. “You feel the pressure, you feel the expectations, and you’re trying to adjust. I’m just happy I stayed calm and finished in straight sets.”
With her confidence intact and her power game beginning to click, Sabalenka now looks ahead to the next round knowing tougher tests lie ahead. But if history is any guide, surviving an uneasy opening match may be exactly the spark she needs.
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After all, championships aren’t about perfection — they’re about adaptation. And once again in Melbourne, Aryna Sabalenka has shown she knows exactly how to do that.
