AO 2026 Day 4: Thrilling Lobs and Volleys Highlights
Zeynep Sonmez is making history in tennis as she ascends through the ranks in the AO 2026 tournament. The Turkish player, ranked No. 112, achieved a remarkable feat by defeating Anna Bondar in the second round. This victory marked her as the first player from Turkey to reach the third round of a Grand Slam singles event in the Open era.
Support from Home
Sonmez faced her match on Court 7, where she received an outpouring of support from Turkish fans. She expressed how this atmosphere significantly contributed to her performance. “I felt like I was at home. I was feeling the energy. It was really unreal,” she shared. The encouragement from the crowd helped her gain momentum throughout the match.
Aryna Sabalenka’s Impressive Stats
Aryna Sabalenka showcased her dominance in the tournament with a straightforward victory over Bai Zhuoxuan in the second round. This win represents Sabalenka’s achievement of winning 45 of her last 50 sets at Melbourne Park. This statistic places her among the best in the Open era.
Elite Company
Only four women have surpassed Sabalenka’s impressive record:
- Monica Seles
- Martina Hingis
- Serena Williams
- Steffi Graf
After her match, Sabalenka expressed her surprise at being compared to such legendary players. “It sounds crazy and surreal, to be honest,” she stated. She conveyed that these comparisons motivate her to continuously improve and reinforce her belief that she is on the right path in her tennis career.
Conclusion
As the AO 2026 tournament progresses, both Zeynep Sonmez and Aryna Sabalenka illustrate the excitement and competitiveness of tennis at this level. Their achievements not only highlight their personal journeys but also contribute significantly to the tournament’s historical narrative.
