Sabalenka Wins Opener at Aus Open as Federer & Laver Watch On

Sabalenka Holds Nerve in Front of Legends to Advance at Aus Open

World number one Aryna Sabalenka launched her Australian Open title defence with a straight-sets victory over French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah, winning 6-4, 6-1 in a star-studded opener on Rod Laver Arena.

In attendance were two icons of the sport: Roger Federer and Rod Laver, seated courtside for Sabalenka’s match. The 25-year-old Belarusian later admitted their presence added extra nerves to an already high-pressure moment.

“It was a lot of pressure. I was walking around thinking ‘don’t look there, don’t look there’,” Sabalenka said with a smile.

The two-time defending champion overcame a shaky start, dropping serve in the first game and spraying 13 unforced errors in the opening set, but ultimately reeled off five consecutive games to seal the win and build momentum heading into round two.

Sabalenka’s Dominant Melbourne Streak Continues

Sabalenka is looking to reach her fourth straight final in Melbourne and boasts an outstanding record at the year’s first Grand Slam, winning titles in 2023 and 2024.

Despite early inconsistency, she showcased her usual firepower with 16 winners and gradually overwhelmed her 19-year-old opponent, who was making her Australian Open debut ranked world No. 118.

“She came out firing. I didn’t start my best, but I’m happy with how I responded,” said Sabalenka, who later shared a selfie with Federer and Laver.

What’s Next?

Sabalenka will face either Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova or Bai Zhuoxuan in round two, with a potential third-round clash against Britain’s Emma Raducanu looming on the horizon.

Elsewhere in the Women’s Draw

• Jasmine Paolini (7) cruised past Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-1, 6-2

• Elina Svitolina powered into the second round with a straight-sets win over Cristina Bucsa

• Zeynep Sonmez stunned 11th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in a tight three-set contest

• Elsa Jacquemot took out 20th seed Marta Kostyuk in a dramatic match with three tie-break sets

• Elena-Gabriela Ruse defeated 26th seed Dayana Yastremska 6-4, 7-5

📅 Stay tuned for more coverage as the Australian Open continues to heat up under the Melbourne sun.