Sabalenka Makes a Fashion Statement While Battling to Victory
Aryna Sabalenka brought surf-inspired cool to the Australian Open with her striking colour-block dress. The world's top-ranked player wore a funnel collar design with a partial front zip. She elevated this bold look with custom jewellery, including a dramatic neck piece and dangling earrings.
This fashion statement debuted during the first night match at Rod Laver Arena this year. However, Sabalenka faced more than just her opponent during parts of her opening match.
Early Struggles and Spectator Pressure
The Belarusian star appeared momentarily tangled with both her opponent's play and her glamorous outfit. She competed against 20-year-old French left-hander Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah. Sabalenka admitted she struggled to find rhythm against the unfamiliar player.
"I haven't played her before," Sabalenka said about her opponent. "I haven't really watched her games. I was struggling to find the rhythm of her shots."
The two-time Australian Open champion overcame these early challenges. She secured a convincing 6-4, 6-1 victory to advance in the tournament.
Legendary Audience and Net Charges
Sabalenka performed before a particularly distinguished audience. Tennis icons Rod Laver and Roger Federer watched from the front row. Their presence created additional pressure for the world number one.
"The whole match I was just telling myself, do not look there, please, do not look that way," Sabalenka revealed with a smile. "It's incredible. I would never have thought that Roger Federer and Rod Laver were going to be sitting in the first row watching my match. It is unbelievable."
Despite this distraction, Sabalenka found her form as the match progressed. She charged the net an impressive 22 times during the first-round encounter.
Technical Improvements and Consistent Development
The Belarusian player has been working diligently on expanding her game. She specifically mentioned improvements to her serve and volley technique.
"I've definitely worked on my serve and volley," Sabalenka explained. "I'm super happy to be able to do it in the match. To do it on the practice court is one thing, but to be able to be fearless and do it in a match is something else."
Sabalenka emphasized the importance of continuous development for maintaining consistency. She has reached the Australian Open final for three consecutive years, winning in 2023 and 2024 before falling to Madison Keys in 2025.
"It's very important to always work on your game, always develop as a player, search for something that is new, that is going to help your game," she stated. "That's the key to being consistent."
Other Notable Matches on Opening Day
The tournament's first day featured several dramatic contests alongside Sabalenka's victory.
Zverev Overcomes Towering Challenge
Third-seeded German Alexander Zverev faced a difficult opening match against Canadian Gabriel Diallo. Both players stand exceptionally tall, creating a contest between what commentators called "walking towers."
The 6-foot-6 Zverev, last year's finalist, eventually defeated the 6-foot-8 Diallo. The 24-year-old Canadian currently ranks 41st in the world. Zverev secured victory with scores of 6-7 (1), 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 after some tentative early play.
Historic Tie-Break Marathon
French player Elsa Jacquemot and 20th seed Marta Kostyuk made Australian Open history. Their women's singles match became the first in the Open Era to feature three consecutive tie-break sets at this tournament.
The 22-year-old Jacquemot eventually triumphed over Kostyuk with scores of 6-7 (4), 7-6 (4), 7-6 (10-7). This marathon contest lasted three hours and thirty-one minutes.
Jacquemot faced elimination when Kostyuk served for the match in the second set. The French professional saved a match point and forced a tiebreak. Later in the third set, Kostyuk suffered an ankle injury requiring medical attention and strapping.
Danilovic Stages Remarkable Comeback
In one of the day's final matches, Serbian player Olga Danilovic delivered an extraordinary performance. She staged a gutsy third-set rally against 45-year-old wildcard entrant Venus Williams.
Danilovic trailed 0-4 in the deciding set before winning six consecutive games. She ultimately defeated the tennis legend with scores of 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-4.
"It was such an amazing atmosphere," the 24-year-old Danilovic said during her on-court interview. "I knew most people were cheering for Venus but I could see Serbian flags in the crowd as well. That's what I love about playing here, our people turn out in big numbers. It was electric."
The Australian Open continues with more exciting matches as players compete for the prestigious title.
