Aryna Sabalenka got off to a straightforward start to her 2026 Australian Open campaign. The two-time AO champion entered Melbourne in fine form after lifting the Brisbane International trophy. But her opening match against Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah had its nervy moments.

On Sunday, Sabalenka took control early, winning the first set 6-4 against the French qualifier. But in the heat of the second set, things took a turn. During a return, she drove the ball straight across and accidentally hit Rajaonah, who was positioned close to the net. Still, Rajaonah remained unfazed, battling on bravely.

However, it was clear that Aryna Sabalenka was in full control during the match, using her power to move Rajaonah around the court. She fired 23 winners in total, forcing her opponent into repeated errors.

Her serve also made the difference, averaging 167 km/h to Rajaonah’s 149. On return, the top seed’s dominance showed as she captured 42% of points on the Frenchwoman’s first serve and an impressive 64% on the second.

In the end, Sabalenka wrapped up the win 6-4, 6-1, unleashing her trademark power to dominate the rallies. Rajaonah struggled to keep pace, often sending her returns into the net or sailing them long.

Aryna Sabalenka has built quite the empire down under. The two-time defending champion has ruled Melbourne Park with power and poise, dropping just one set across her back-to-back title runs in 2023 and 2024. In fact, she’s lost only one of her last 22 matches at AO, which was that lone blemish coming in last year’s final against Madison Keys in a tense three-set thriller.

Her winning ways stretch far beyond Melbourne too. Australia seems to bring out her best, with five of her 22 career singles titles claimed on its courts. She arrived at this year’s major fresh from lifting the Brisbane International trophy, carrying that same confidence that made her nearly untouchable the past two seasons.

Still, Sabalenka had to work harder than expected against the world No. 118 and she knew it.

Aryna Sabalenka admits to a tough battle against Rajaonah

After the match, Aryna was refreshingly honest about her slow start. She admitted things didn’t click right away but was pleased with how she turned it around for a straight-sets win that looked far more comfortable than it felt.

“I think I didn’t really start at my best and was struggling to find my rhythm,” Aryna Sabalenka said to reporters. “But then I feel like in the last two games of the first set I found my rhythm, and I was able to step in and play a little bit better tennis.”

That late push in the opener completely flipped the match in her favor. The Belarusian broke Rakotomanga Rajaonah’s serve to seal the first set, then rode that momentum like a wave. Suddenly, her shots were landing deep and heavy, the second-set score stretching to a quick 3-0 as Rajaonah battled to keep up. Sabalenka’s raw power and clean hitting proved far too much to handle.

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“I was definitely working on serve and volley,” she added. “I’m super happy to be able to do it on the match. On the practice is one thing, but to be able to be kind of fearless and go there at the match is something else. I’m really proud I’m able to show this tennis.”

After securing the win, Sabalenka enjoyed a lighter moment that reminded everyone she’s still a fan at heart. Spotting Roger Federer and Rod Laver in the stands, she managed to snap a picture with both legends before heading off to prepare for her next challenge. Up next is Zhuoxuan Bai on Tuesday.

Will she keep up the momentum? We’d love to hear what you have to say.