Key Highlights
- Aryna Sabalenka overcame pressure to beat French wildcard Rakotomanga Rajaonah in front of tennis legends.
- Six-time men’s champion Roger Federer and three-time winner Rod Laver watched the match from a front row seat.
- Sabalenka, world number one, jokes about trying not to look at the legends during the match.
- The Belarusian player later took a selfie with Federer and Laver after the victory.
Pressure Overcome: Sabalenka Triumphs in Australian Open First Round
Aryna Sabalenka, currently ranked world number one, demonstrated her resilience under pressure by defeating French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah 6-4, 6-1. The match was played on Rod Laver Arena and witnessed by tennis legends Roger Federer and Rod Laver, both of whom had front row seats.
Sabalenka, known for her powerful game and impressive record at Grand Slams, felt the weight of being watched by two of the sport’s most revered figures. “I was walking around thinking ‘don’t look there, don’t look there,’” she admitted after the match. Despite the nerves, Sabalenka managed to perform well, saving a break point in the fourth game and eventually breaking Rakotomanga Rajaonah five games later.
Legends in Attendance
The presence of Roger Federer and Rod Laver added an extra layer of excitement for both players and spectators. Federer, who has won six men’s singles titles at the Australian Open, and Laver, a three-time winner himself, were visibly impressed by Sabalenka’s performance. “I wanted to show great tennis so you guys enjoy watching me play,” Sabalenka said, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity.
Post-match, Sabalenka took a selfie with Federer and Laver, acknowledging their support. “What a privilege,” she added, reflecting on the moment. The Belarusian player’s form is well-documented at the Australian Open, having won the title twice and dropped just one set en route to consecutive finals in 2023 and 2024.
Match Analysis: Sabalenka’s Uncharacteristic Start
The first set was marked by Sabalenka’s uncharacteristically messy play. She had her serve broken early, resulting in a 1-0 deficit. However, the Belarusian soon regained control, breaking back and eventually winning the set 6-4.
The second set saw more dominance from Sabalenka as she cruised to victory with a score of 6-1.
“I didn’t start my best,” Sabalenka admitted. “She showed up on fire and was playing great.” Nevertheless, her experience and confidence shone through in the latter stages of the match. With this win, Sabalenka advances to the second round where she will face either Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova or Bai Zhuoxuan.
Other Notable Performances
The Australian Open continues with a series of victories by top players. Italian seventh seed Jasmine Paolini and three-time quarter-finalist Elina Svitolina both advanced comfortably, defeating Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-1, 6-2, and Spain’s Cristina Bucsa in straight sets, respectively.
However, the day was not without its upsets. Russian 11th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova lost to Turkey’s Zeynep Sonmez 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, marking a significant upset at the tournament.
Ukrainian 20th seed Marta Kostyuk also faced challenges, falling in three sets to France’s Elsa Jacquemot after a tough match that featured three tie-breaks.
Elsewhere, British player Emma Raducanu prepares for her third-round match following a dominant win, while Alcaraz starts his career Slam bid with a victory. The Australian Open continues its tradition of highlighting the best players in the world under pressure, as Sabalenka’s performance demonstrated yet again.
As the tournament progresses, fans and experts alike will be watching to see how top players handle the intensity of Grand Slams. With the likes of Federer and Laver providing a unique backdrop, every match carries its own story and significance.