Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek have dominated the WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz for almost four years. When asked about her rivalry with Swiatek during her introductory press conference at the Australian Open, Sabalenka expressed her thoughts.
“It’s not just about me and Iga,” Sabalenka noted. “We also have Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula… I hope I haven’t forgotten anyone.”
She mentioned that it’s surprising they only played each other once last year, hoping for more matches this season. Their only encounter occurred in the semifinals of the French Open, where Sabalenka triumphed in three sets. As the top two seeds in Melbourne, they wouldn’t face off until the final, should they both reach it.
Sabalenka’s campaign at the Australian Open starts on Sunday, the first day of the tournament, as she aims to continue her impressive streak.
Featured Matches
No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka vs. Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah
Head-to-head: 0-0
Sabalenka has been exceptional in Australia, winning 38 out of her last 40 matches. She seeks to join an elite group of players like Evonne Goolagong and Martina Hingis by reaching four consecutive tournament finals. Her first-round opponent, Rakotomanga Rajaonah, faces a tough challenge, as Sabalenka boasts an impressive 20-match winning streak in first-round major matches.
No. 7 Jasmine Paolini vs. Qualifier Aliaksandra Sasnovich
Head-to-head: 1-0, Sasnovich, 2020 Palermo
After a tough match on her birthday, Paolini reflects positively on her experiences with her team. She has struggled in Grand Slam first rounds historically but has won her last eight. Sasnovich, ranked No. 102, comes through qualifying with notable recent victories.
No. 12 Elina Svitolina vs. Cristina Bucsa
Head-to-head: 0-0
Fresh off winning in Auckland, Svitolina boasts a perfect 5-0 start this season and has won 11 consecutive first-round matches at Grand Slams. Meanwhile, Bucsa aims for her first back-to-back wins in Melbourne.
No. 28 Emma Raducanu vs. Mananchaya Sawangkaew
Head-to-head: 0-0
Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, remains unbeaten in first-round matches at the Australian Open. Sawangkaew, ranked No. 195, makes her Grand Slam debut.
Venus Williams vs. Olga Danilovic
Head-to-head: 0-0
This matchup highlights the most Grand Slam titles among first-round pairings, as Williams is a seven-time champion. At nearly 45, she will be the oldest woman to compete in the Australian Open singles draw. Danilovic, ranked No. 68 and with a strong track record in first-round matches, poses a challenge for Williams.
Order of Play Day 1
(All times local)
Rod Laver Arena: 11:30 a.m.
7:00 p.m.
Margaret Court Arena: 11:30 a.m.
7:00 p.m.
John Cain Arena: 11 a.m.
Not before 1:30 p.m.
Not before 5 p.m.
KIA Arena: 11 a.m.
Not before 3:30 p.m.
1573 Arena: 11 a.m.
- Miomir Kecmanovic (SRB) vs. Tomas Martin Etcheverry (ARG)
- No. 11 Ekaterina Alexandrova vs. Zeynep Sonmez (TUR)
- Benjamin Bonzi (FRA) vs. No. 26 Cameron Norrie (GBR)
ANZ Arena: 11 a.m.
- No. 26 Dayana Yastremska (UKR) vs. Elena-Gabriela Ruse (ROU)
- Elsa Jacquemot (FRA) vs. No. 20 Marta Kostyuk (UKR)
- Camilo Ugo Carabelli (ARG) vs. Marton Fucsovics (HUN)
- Suzan Lamens (NED) vs. Anastasia Potapova (AUT)
