Key Highlights
- Lorenzo Sonego secured a commanding victory in the first round of the 2026 Australian Open ATP Singles.
- The Italian player recorded his first ‘bagel’ (6-0 set win) since the final of the 2024 Winston-Salem Open trophy.
- Sonego is set to face fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti in the second round, with whom he won a doubles title in Hong Kong just weeks ago.
- The player expressed his determination to improve and avoid complacency ahead of facing his compatriot.
Victory at Australian Open for Sonego
Aaron Murphy, 19.01.2026 23:10 – Following a commanding performance in the first round of the 2026 Australian Open ATP Singles, Lorenzo Sonego expressed his satisfaction with the result and his upcoming match against fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti.
Impressive Performance
In what was described as “clinical,” Sonego’s victory over Carlos Taberner came after securing a straight sets win. The Italian player recorded 12 aces to one by his opponent, Carlos Taberner, and just two double faults compared with the Spanish player’s 11.
First ‘Bagel’ Since Winston-Salem
Notably, Sonego’s performance also included his first ‘bagel’ (6-0 set win) since the final of the 2024 Winston-Salem Open trophy. This achievement highlights the consistency and strength in Sonego’s game as he prepares for upcoming matches.
Setting Up a Challenging Second Round Match
Sonego faces his compatriot, Lorenzo Musetti, in the second round of the tournament. The pair last met in singles at the 2025 Paris Masters, where Sonego defeated Musetti before losing to Daniil Medvedev in the third round.
Improvement and Focus
“Every time we play it’s a different game and we play in all kinds of conditions. That was at the end of the last season and I think he was tired,” Sonego said, acknowledging that his upcoming match against Musetti will be entirely different physically and mentally.
Italian Tennis Thriving
The performance by Sonego came as part of a positive day for Italian tennis at the 2026 Australian Open. The country has recently emerged as a global powerhouse in men’s tennis, following three consecutive Davis Cup victories. Other Italian players who joined Sonego in victory included Jannik Sinner, Lorenzo Musetti, and Luciano Darderi.
Competition and Teamwork
Sonego expressed his thoughts on the strength of Italian tennis when he said, “I think we push each other when we practice together and play against one another a lot of the time. We have a big group and a lot of depth in the Davis Cup and the tour.” He added that they all have good relationships with one another.
Looking Ahead
With Sonego and seven others now ranked within the ATP’s top-100, Italian tennis is poised to continue its strong performance. The upcoming second round match against Musetti will be crucial for both players, as they aim to deliver their best in this highly anticipated contest.
As the 2026 Australian Open progresses, fans and experts alike will be watching closely as these top-ranked Italian tennis stars navigate through the tournament, continuing to showcase their skills on the world stage. Stay tuned for more updates from the Grand Slam event!