Australian Open 2026: Day 1 preview
The 2026 Australian Open got underway in Melbourne with a largely routine opening day, as top players avoided early trouble and safely moved into the second round.
With full stands and warm summer conditions, Day 1 offered a first look at form, fitness and atmosphere as the season’s opening Grand Slam officially began.
Opening day sets the tone in Melbourne
Most of the tournament favorites handled their opening-round matches without major difficulty, using the first day to settle into the courts and adjust to match conditions. Clean serving performances and controlled baseline play dominated the schedule, with few extended battles across the main courts.
While there were no major shocks, a handful of early exits reminded observers how quickly momentum can shift in the opening rounds of a Grand Slam. Several lower-ranked players pushed higher seeds early, but experience ultimately proved decisive in most encounters.
Conditions play an early role
Beyond the results, attention also turned to conditions in Melbourne. Warm temperatures and long daytime sessions tested physical readiness, setting an early tone for endurance and recovery as the tournament progresses.
Attention turns to Day 2 matchups
As the Australian Open moves into Day 2, the draw begins to take shape, with marquee names preparing for their next challenges and early storylines already emerging across the men’s and women’s competitions.
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