Sabalenka Overcomes Early Jitters to Begin Australian Open Title Defense

• Aryna Sabalenka, world No.1, started her Australian Open 2026 title defense with a 6-4, 6-1 win against French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah.
• Despite the straight-sets victory, Sabalenka's performance was initially error-filled, losing her opening service game and struggling to find rhythm.
• Roger Federer was among the spectators at Rod Laver Arena, witnessing Sabalenka's uneasy start.
• Rakotomanga Rajaonah, ranked 118, put up a competitive fight in the first set, forcing Sabalenka to work hard.
• Sabalenka eventually found her form, breaking serve late in the first set and dominating the second to secure her spot in the second round.

Why It Matters: Sabalenka shook off early rust and errors to successfully begin her Australian Open title defense.