Australian Open Day 2: Swiatek, Gauff, and Anisimova command the spotlight as women’s stars surge into Round 2
The main fact of the day on the women’s side was the dominant display by the top ten seeds who successfully avoided the early-round traps that plagued the men’s draw, ensuring all major title favorites progressed to the second round. Iga Swiatek, the world number one and top seed, overcame a resilient challenge from Chinese … Continued
Coco Gauff, Australian Open 2026 | © Zuma / PsNewz
The main fact of the day on the women’s side was the dominant display by the top ten seeds who successfully avoided the early-round traps that plagued the men’s draw, ensuring all major title favorites progressed to the second round.
Iga Swiatek, the world number one and top seed, overcame a resilient challenge from Chinese qualifier Yuan Yue to win 7-6(5), 6-3. Swiatek admitted to some opening-match rust after surviving a tense first set, “I was a bit rusty at the beginning, I didn’t really start well and she used the opportunity”, Swiatek noted. Iga Swiatek is now 27-1 in opening round matches at Grand Slam level. That’s a win percentage of 96.43%.
Coco Gauff, the 3rd seed, secured her passage with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Kamilla Rakhimova. Despite seven double faults in the blustery conditions, the American relied on her world-class defense to secure her 75th career Grand Slam match win. “Once I got through kind of the first game, it was pretty much smooth sailing from there”, Gauff said.
Amanda Anisimova, the 4th seed and a standout performer in 2025, needed exactly one hour to dismiss Simona Waltert 6-3, 6-2. Anisimova, who reached two major finals last season, expressed her comfort in Melbourne, “It’s really good to be back here, I feel like it’s my second home here in Australia, I love playing here”, she remarked.
Jessica Pegula, the 6th seed, delivered a businesslike 6-2, 6-1 win over Anastasia Zakharova in just over an hour. Pegula looked sharp from the baseline, dropping only eleven points on her serve throughout the match to set up an all-American second-round clash.
Mirra Andreeva, the 8th seed, authored a stunning comeback to defeat Donna Vekic 4-6, 6-3, 6-0. After dropping the first set to the aggressive Croatian, the 18-year-old Russian showcased her elite adaptability by winning the final set without dropping a single game.
Clara Tauson, the 14th seed, swept past Dalma Galfi 6-3, 6-3. The Danish power hitter struck 25 winners to wrap up the match in 82 minutes, confirming her status as a dark horse for the second week.
Victoria Mboko, the 17th seed and Canadian rising star, made a dream main draw debut by vanquishing local hope Emerson Jones 6-4, 6-1. Despite a heavily strapped leg, the teenager’s power game dominated the exchanges.
Marie Bouzkova, the 25th seed, maintained her clinical hard-court form with a 6-2, 7-5 win over Renata Zarazua. Bouzkova’s consistency proved too much for the Mexican, though she was forced to serve out a tight second set to avoid a decider.
Paula Badosa, the 26th seed, looked physically imposing in her 6-2, 6-4 victory over wildcard Zarina Diyas. Badosa, a former semifinalist here in 2025, signaled her intent to return to the top ten with a high-intensity performance.
Peyton Stearns provided the day’s biggest upset by ousting 2020 champion and 27th seed Sofia Kenin 6-3, 6-2. Stearns was relentless, ending Kenin’s campaign in a match where the veteran struggled to find her range.
