Aryna Sabalenka (PHOTO COURTESY OF AP)
The 2026 Australian Open has reached a fever pitch as the first week concludes at Melbourne Park. With temperatures soaring to 40°C and the draw narrowing down to the final sixteen, the Women’s Singles tournament is delivering a mix of vintage dominance and heartbreaking exits.
Naomi Osaka (Photo courtesy of AP)
Here is the latest breakdown of the highlights, qualifying successes, and what to watch for in the upcoming Fourth Round.
🎾 Latest Highlights: Drama and Dominance
The biggest story of the weekend is the shock withdrawal of Naomi Osaka. Following a tense second-round victory over Sorana Cirstea, the former champion was forced to pull out before her third-round match due to an injury, later described as an abdominal strain. This handed a “walkover” to Australian qualifier Maddison Inglis, who now finds herself in the second week of her home Grand Slam.
Key Third-Round Results:
* Iga Swiatek (1) survived a scare, defeating 31st seed Anna Kalinskaya in a gritty three-set battle: 6-4, 3-6, 6-2.
* Madison Keys (9), the defending champion, extended her winning streak at Melbourne Park to 10 matches by brushing aside Karolina Pliskova (6-3, 6-3).
* Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1, showed nerves of steel to overcome Anastasia Potapova in two tie-break sets. She now prepares for a showdown with 19-year-old Canadian sensation Victoria Mboko.
* Jessica Pegula (6) stayed clinical, defeating Oksana Selekhmeteva 6-3, 6-2 to set up an all-American blockbuster.
🌟 Qualifying Results: The Underdogs Rising
The 2026 qualifying draw was one of the most competitive in recent memory, featuring former Grand Slam winners and rising stars. A total of 16 players fought through three rounds to enter the main draw.
Notable Qualifiers & Their Journeys:
Sloane Stephens | USA | Defeated Lucia Bronzetti to secure her spot.
Maddison Inglis | AUS | The “Local Hero” who has now reached the 4th Round.
Victoria Mboko | CAN | Stunned Clara Tauson to reach the 2nd week in her debut.
Linda Fruhvirtova | CZE | The teen prodigy continues her ascent in the rankings.
Zhuoxuan Bai | CHN | Reached the 2nd round before falling to Sabalenka.
Margaret Court Arena
📅 What is Next: The Fourth Round Blockbusters
As we head into the second week, the “business end” of the tournament begins. The schedule for Sunday, January 25, and Monday, January 26 features several “must-watch” matches:
1. Jessica Pegula [6] vs. Madison Keys [9]
A battle of the Americans. This is a rematch of the 2025 final (won by Keys). It pits Pegula’s incredible defensive consistency against the raw power and serve of the defending champion.
2. Aryna Sabalenka [1] vs. Victoria Mboko
The “Queen of Melbourne” vs. the “New Kid on the Block.” Mboko has already beaten four Grand Slam champions in the last six months; now she faces the ultimate test against the world No. 1.
3. Iga Swiatek [2] vs. Elina Svitolina
A high-stakes tactical battle between two of the most mentally tough players on tour.
> Pro Tip for Fans: With the extreme heat policy in effect, many high-profile matches may be moved to night sessions or played under the roofs of Rod Laver and Margaret Court Arenas.
MUST READS
MASSIVE DRAMA IN THE WOMEN’S DRAW AT AUSTRALIAN OPEN – Athletica Sports
Viorica Bruni Editor Athletica Sports Web Publication
