Day 3 Highlights: Fast-Paced Recap of AO 2026 Events
The Australian Open 2026 saw an eventful Day 3, filled with remarkable matches and emotional farewells. The day began with the retirement of beloved French player Gael Monfils, who faced off against Australian Dane Sweeny in a thrilling contest.
Monfils Bids Farewell
In his 20th appearance at Melbourne Park, the 39-year-old Monfils’s journey ended with a 6-7(3), 7-5, 6-4, 7-5 defeat against world No. 182 Sweeny. This match marked Monfils’ last ever in the tournament, making it a significant moment for fans and players alike.
After the match, a heartfelt on-court ceremony celebrated Monfils’s career. He expressed gratitude to the crowd, saying, “Thank you so much for this amazing ride. A lot of great memories, big battles.”
Other Notable Matches
On Court 13, Sorana Cirstea also played her final Australian Open match. She defeated young German talent Eva Lys in a three-set battle.
The singles first round concluded on Tuesday, showcasing 20 additional matches under sunny skies.
Defending Champions Shine
- Jannik Sinner: The defending champion enjoyed a brief match, winning 6-2, 6-1, as his opponent Hugo Gaston retired due to injury.
- Madison Keys: Also defending her title, Keys rallied from a 0-4 deficit to win against Oleksandra Oliynykova, finishing 7-6(6), 6-1.
Impressive Performances by Seeds
Among the seeds, Naomi Osaka stood out with her stunning outfit and impressive gameplay. Osaka defeated Croatia’s Antonia Ruzic 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 after a competitive match.
Fifth seed Elena Rybakina advanced confidently, winning against Kaja Juvan. Tenth seed Belinda Bencic also progressed smoothly, scoring a 6-0, 7-5 victory over Katie Boulter.
Upsets in the Women’s Draw
Several seeds faced surprising defeats:
- 18th seed Liudmila Samsonova fell to Laura Siegemund.
- Former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez lost to Janice Tjen.
- 30th seed Maya Joint was bested by Tereza Valentova.
Men’s Draw Developments
American Ben Shelton, a semifinalist from AO 2025, secured his spot in the next round by defeating Ugo Humbert in straight sets.
Fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti and ninth seed Taylor Fritz both progressed in four-set matches. However, Karen Khachanov faced a tough battle, going the distance against Alex Michelsen.
Day 3 of the Australian Open 2026 was rich in drama and emotion as the tournament continued to unfold excitingly at Melbourne Park.
