Aryna Sabalenka Wins Australian Open Opener Amid Federer and Laver's Attendance

Aryna Sabalenka began her Australian Open 2026 campaign with a 6-4, 6-1 win over French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah. Despite a shaky start, losing the first three points on serve and committing several unforced errors, Sabalenka regained composure to secure a straight-sets victory. The world No.1, chasing her third Melbourne title in four years, acknowledged feeling pressure playing in front of tennis legends Roger Federer and Rod Laver, later taking a selfie with them. She will face either Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova or Bai Zhuoxuan in the next round.