The second day of the Australian Open 2026 delivered a masterclass in tennis excellence, with the world's top seeds demonstrating their formidable prowess on the courts of Melbourne Park.
Swiatek and Djokovic Dominate Opening Rounds
World number one Iga Swiatek began her campaign for a maiden Australian Open title with a characteristically dominant performance. The Polish star, a firm favourite in the women's singles draw, dispatched her opponent with clinical precision, showcasing the powerful baseline game that has brought her multiple Grand Slam victories. Her straight-sets win sends a clear message to the rest of the field.
In the men's competition, the legendary Novak Djokovic returned to Rod Laver Arena with his sights set on extending his historic record at the tournament. The Serbian champion, chasing an unprecedented 11th Australian Open crown, was in imperious form. He navigated his first-round match with a blend of tactical intelligence and physical resilience, securing a convincing victory that underlined his status as the man to beat.
Andreeva Edges Through in Thrilling Contest
One of the day's most captivating matches featured the rising star Mirra Andreeva. The talented teenager engaged in a gripping battle that tested her skill and mental fortitude. In a contest that swung back and forth, Andreeva ultimately prevailed in a tense decider, demonstrating why she is considered one of the most exciting prospects in the sport. Her victory on Day Two sets up an intriguing second-round clash.
The day's schedule was packed with action across both the men's and women's singles draws, as well as the opening rounds of the doubles competitions. While the top seeds progressed as expected, there were moments of drama and surprise elsewhere in the draw, with several matches extending to thrilling final-set tiebreaks.
Implications for the Tournament Ahead
The commanding performances from Swiatek and Djokovic have firmly established them as the central figures in their respective tournaments. For Swiatek, the quest to complete a career Grand Slam intensifies with each round. For Djokovic, every match is a step towards further cementing his legacy as the greatest player in the history of the Australian Open.
Andreeva's hard-fought win proves her capability to handle high-pressure situations, a vital asset as she progresses deeper into a major. The results from Day Two have successfully set the stage for an enthralling second round, with several tantalising match-ups now confirmed. The tournament continues to build momentum, promising more world-class tennis in the days to come.
