AO 2026: Bombs Dodged, Statements Made As Top Seeds Blitz Through Second Round

Last Updated:January 21, 2026, 18:01 IST

Carlos Alcaraz overcame Yannick Hanfmann to reach the Australian Open third round. Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Daniil Medvedev, and Mirra Andreeva also advanced with strong wins.

(Photo Credit: AP)

Carlos Alcaraz had to absorb some serious firepower before finding his rhythm on Wednesday night at the Australian Open — but once he did, the result was never in doubt.

The world No.1 fought through a testing opening set against big-hitting German Yannick Hanfmann, then pulled away for a 7-6 (7/4), 6-3, 6-2 win to book his place in the third round. Hanfmann, 12 years Alcaraz’s senior, unloaded from both wings early, forcing the Spaniard to dig deep.

“To be honest, it was tougher than I thought," Alcaraz admitted. “The ball was coming like a bomb — forehand and backhand."

Once Alcaraz adjusted, though, the momentum swung sharply.

The 22-year-old now moves one step closer to a potential career Grand Slam, a feat that would make him the youngest man to ever complete the set — ahead of Rafael Nadal.

Elsewhere in the men’s draw

Daniil Medvedev kept his title hopes alive with a four-set grind against France’s Quentin Halys. The three-time Australian Open finalist dropped the opener but steadied himself to win 6-7 (9/11), 6-3, 6-4, 6-2, continuing his calmer, more measured approach in Melbourne this year.

Alexander Zverev also survived a brief rain delay to see off Alexandre Muller 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, while Andrey Rublev, Tommy Paul and Francisco Cerundolo all moved through safely.

Results on the women’s side

World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka looked ruthless early, racing to a 5-0 lead before closing out a 6-3, 6-1 win over qualifier Bai Zhuoxuan. The Belarusian has now dropped just nine games across two rounds as she chases a third Australian Open title in four years.

Coco Gauff was just as sharp. The third seed dismantled Serbia’s Olga Danilovic 6-2, 6-2 in 78 minutes, earning a “near perfect" self-assessment and setting up an all-American clash with Hailey Baptiste.

Teen sensation Mirra Andreeva added another statement to her growing résumé, brushing aside Maria Sakkari 6-0, 6-4, while Elina Svitolina and Victoria Mboko also advanced in straight sets.

(with agency inputs)

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