Paolini Triumphs as Jacquemot Achieves Historic Upset
Elena Svitolina continued her impressive form at the 2026 Australian Open. She secured a straightforward victory against Cristina Bucsca, winning 6-4, 6-1. This triumph marked her 12th consecutive first-round win at this prestigious event.
Svitolina’s Successful Start
The Ukrainian star, currently ranked 12th in the world, extended her unbeaten run after winning the WTA 250 title in Auckland just days before. Svitolina credited her success to her training with husband Gaël Monfils, who is participating in his final Australian Open. She expressed contentment in having each other’s support during tournaments.
Svitolina’s next challenge will come against the winner of the match between Linda Klimovicova and Francesca Jones.
Historic Match Ends in Upset
Marta Kostyuk and Elsa Jacquemot made history with the first three-tiebreak match in women’s singles at the Australian Open in the Open Era. Jacquemot, in her first main draw appearance, achieved a stunning victory over Kostyuk with a scoreline of 6-7(4), 7-6(4), 7-6(10-7). The match lasted over three and a half hours in sweltering 30-degree weather.
Jacquemot demonstrated resilience by saving a match point in the second set while Kostyuk was serving for the match. Despite a setback when Kostyuk rolled her ankle, Jacquemot maintained focus and composure.
Jacquemot vs. Putintseva
This victory was particularly significant for Jacquemot, as it represented her first win against a top-20 player. She will face Yulia Putintseva in the next round, who defeated Beatriz Haddad Maia earlier in the day. Jacquemot acknowledged that Putintseva was previously coached by her current coach, providing an intriguing personal angle to their upcoming match.
Turkish Player Shocks Seeded Opponent
In another notable upset, Turkish qualifier Zeynep Sönmez made headlines by defeating the 11th seed, Ekaterina Alexandrova, with a score of 7-5, 4-6, 6-4. This victory marked a milestone as Sönmez became the first Turkish player to advance to the second round of the Australian Open.
Trailing 1-3 in the final set, Sönmez showcased remarkable determination. With an impressive rally and a series of strategic shots, she turned the match’s momentum in her favor, ultimately earning a standing ovation as she exited the court wrapped in a Turkish flag.
Conclusion
The 2026 Australian Open has showcased incredible performances and surprising outcomes, with Svitolina continuing her winning streak and underdog players like Jacquemot and Sönmez making significant impacts. Fans eagerly anticipate the next rounds in this thrilling tournament.
