AO 2026 Day 5 Preview: Sinner Pushes Forward in Competition

Morgan Winslow

ago 2 hours

In the ongoing 2026 Australian Open, Jannik Sinner is making significant strides following a challenging previous season. The Italian tennis star, aged 24, has shown remarkable resilience, conceding only a single set in his last 16 matches. This includes an impressive streak of victories against opponents at home Grand Slams, where Sinner remains unbeaten in 18 encounters.

Ao 2026 Day 5 Preview: Sinner Pushes Forward in Competition

As the tournament progresses, Sinner’s next match showcases his competitive edge. Scheduled on Thursday, he faces off against an as-yet-unnamed opponent, continuing his strong performance. Notably, he has won two-thirds of these home major matches in straight sets, showcasing his dominance on the court.

Novak Djokovic’s Quest for History

On the same day, ten-time champion Novak Djokovic will play against Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli. This encounter is particularly noteworthy as Djokovic aims for his eighth consecutive third-round appearance at the Australian Open. Currently seeded fourth, Djokovic could also approach a historic milestone with his 400th career victory in Grand Slam events.

Rank: 141 – Francesco Maestrelli
Match History: Djokovic leads with a significant experience advantage.

After his first-round victory against Pedro Martinez, Djokovic expressed confidence in his performance. He highlighted his strong serve and overall game feel as integral to his success.

Elena Rybakina’s Form and Challenges

Elena Rybakina has also been turning heads with her recent form. The former Wimbledon champion is rebuilding her momentum after facing difficulties in the past two seasons. Having won the WTA Finals last year, she enters her second-round match against Varvara Gracheva with a perfect 2-0 record at this event.

Finalist: AO 2023 against Aryna Sabalenka
Seed: 5

Rybakina remains optimistic about her serving strategy, emphasizing the importance of starting strong. She notes that adapting her serves will be key to maintaining control during rallies.

Jessica Pegula’s Ambitious Pursuits

Jessica Pegula, the sixth seed, is aiming for her 17th Grand Slam singles third round. She will meet fellow American McCartney Kessler at the Rod Laver Arena. Pegula has previously defeated Kessler in the Austin final and seeks to continue her successful trajectory.

Past Achievements: Only Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Elise Mertens have reached this stage more frequently in the last decade.

As the 2026 Australian Open unfolds, fans can expect thrilling matches and standout performances from all players, particularly Sinner, Djokovic, Rybakina, and Pegula.