In Melbourne, Brits Sonay Kartal and Katie Boulter were eliminated, allowing defending Australian Open champions Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys to advance.
World No. 2 Sinner advanced to the second round after French opponent Hugo Gaston retired in two sets while trailing 6-2, 6-1.
Gaston burst into tears after telling Sinner he couldn’t continue, and the second-seeded Italian consoled him.
Madison Keys’ Australian Open title defense threatens to turn into a nightmare
Keys fell behind 4-0 in the first set, but recovered to win.
The American won her coveted first Grand Slam title 12 months ago by defeating Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka at Rod Laver Arena, but facing Ukrainian debutant Oleksandra Olnikova on the same court threatened to turn into a nightmare.
Keyes dropped the first four games, crawled to the tiebreak and had to save set points twice, but eventually relaxed and pulled away for a 7-6 (8-6), 6-1 victory.
“The moment they say, ‘Ready, play,’ it’s a feeling you can never explain to anyone,” a relieved Keyes said afterward.
“But no matter how tense and stressful it is, I still remind myself of how few people can be there in that moment. And if I can walk out today and find the audience as welcoming as they were before, I can always withstand the stress.”
Ukraine’s Olnikova is delighted with her Grand Slam debut
Ukraine’s Oleksandra Olnikova spoke about the bombs still rattling her home in Kiev.
Although she couldn’t pull off the upset, it was a moment of immense pride for the 25-year-old Olynikova, who made her mark with more than just a temporary face tattoo.
She is rapidly rising through the ranks and has revealed that she draws inspiration from her father, who is fighting for Ukraine in the war with Russia.
“I’m so proud of him,” she said. “Actually, this motivates me even more. After he joined the military, I earned over 200 (ranking) positions. I know it was his dream to see me on this court.”
Unlike many of her compatriots, Olnikova still lives in Ukraine and continues to train alongside all the dangers currently posed.
“While we were preparing, we heard an explosion,” she said. “The last night I spent in Ukraine before my trip here, there were several large-scale attacks.
“There was an explosion right next to my house, and a drone hit the house across the road. My apartment was literally shaking because of the explosion. My apartment has no electricity, no running water, no heat. Every time I have an opportunity to speak out about this, I believe it’s very important.”
Osaka makes a grand appearance with a fashion statement
Naomi Osaka made a fashion statement and a stunning entrance to the Australian Open as she arrived at Rod Laver Arena for her first round match wearing a wide-brimmed hat, veil and holding a white umbrella.
The four-time Grand Slam champion faced 65th-ranked Antonia Ruzic in his final match at Rod Laver Arena.
Ann Keothavong said on TNT Sports: “She’s making a statement. That’s all you have to say. I’ve never seen anything quite like it. That’s the ultimate walk-on.”
Tim Henman: “I’m speechless.”
With Bolter’s defeat, Raducanu flies alone.
Katie Boulter leaves court after losing first round to Belinda Bencic
Emma Raducanu will carry Britain’s hopes alone after Boulter lost to Swiss star Belinda Bencic in the second round of the Australian Open women’s singles.
Boulter dropped to 113th in the rankings and only managed a last-minute draw, but was paired with perhaps the most in-form player in the women’s game.
The British number four recovered in at least the second set, but lost 6-0, 7-5 and was eliminated in the first round along with Kartal.
Kartal: My level hasn’t been that low in years!
Sonay Kartal declared his performance to be his worst in years
After the loss and slump, Kartal declared his performance to be his worst in years.
Losing to 31st seed Anna Kalinskaya wasn’t a disgrace for the British No. 2, ranked 66th, but losing 7-6 (7-3), 6-1 was more forgiving than her rank.
Kartal arrived in Melbourne after narrowly losing to Elina Svitolina in Auckland, but her momentum appears to have continued into last season.
She initially had an advantage over Kalinskaya, but in the end she paid the price for relying too much on the Russian’s mistakes.
Kalinskaya opened up a 5-0 lead in the second set, and Kartal’s chances of a comeback disappeared as she struggled in the tiebreak.
“Obviously it’s very disappointing,” said Kartal, who is looking for his first win in this tournament.
“For me, I wasn’t at my best level at all today, I wasn’t really up there today even on the basic level, and that’s what I’m counting on.
“If I could go back out there now and play that game again, I think I would play it completely differently.
“Maybe she’s raised the bar, but my level has dropped to a level that hasn’t been that low in years.
“I finished last year feeling good and I feel like I trained well. I played well in the warm-up this morning.
“It’s very disappointing, especially after the Oakland game. We’ve got a long season ahead of us, so I’m not going to think too much about it.”
Merci Monfils! Gael Monfils bids emotional farewell
Tennis showman Gael Monfils ended his 20th and final Australian Open with a mixture of pain and frustration, losing to local qualifier Dane Sweeney in the first round due to injury, 6-7 (3-7), 7-5, 6-4, 7-5.
The 39-year-old Frenchman flashed his trademark flamboyance and somehow managed to capitalize on it despite having his movements severely restricted in the hectic atmosphere at Kia Arena.
“My journey started with you all in 2003 and now it’s 2026 and somehow we’re at the finish line. Thank you for the great drive, you all were incredible,” Monfils told fans who gave him a standing ovation.
“I have so many great memories here. I was so lucky to play here for so many years. Thank you very much.”
On a day of good results for the big names, Ben Shelton recorded a straight-sets win, while on the men’s side, fifth seed Lorenzo Musetti fought back from a set down to lead Rafael Collignon two sets to one, with the Belgian becoming the latest player to retire due to injury.
But teenage star João Fonseca is still waiting for his breakthrough at a Grand Slam after losing 6-4, 2-6, 6-1, 6-2 to American Eliot Spizzilli.
Sky Sports customers will have access to over 50% more live sport this year at no extra cost, by watching the ATP and WTA Tour, live on Sky Sports, and streaming on the NOW and Sky Sports apps. Click here for more information.
