AO 2026: Osaka Dazzles, Tjen Makes History, Fonseca Gets Stunned At Melbourne

Last Updated:January 20, 2026, 19:55 IST

Naomi Osaka dazzled with a jellyfish-inspired outfit and victory. Janice Tjen made history for Indonesia. Joao Fonseca was shickingly eliminated in the first round.

(Photo Credit: AP)

Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys made winning starts to their Australian Open title defences on Tuesday. Still, former champion Naomi Osaka made the biggest splash on day three of the tournament with a dazzling entrance before her match.

Sinner, who is aiming for a third straight title at Melbourne Park, spent only 68 minutes on court in his first outing of the 2026 season before Hugo Gaston retired because of injury while losing 6-2, 6-1.

The World No. 2 consoled the weeping Frenchman and wished him well in his recovery before declaring himself delighted with the results of his off-season training.

Afterwards, Naomi Osaka didn’t just walk onto Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday night, but also stole the show on and off the court.

Clutching a white parasol, draped in a wide-brimmed hat and veil, the former world No.1 turned centre court into a fashion runway before even hitting a ball.

And then, just to underline the point, she went out and won.

The two-time Australian Open champion shook off a tough challenge from Croatia’s Antonia Ruzic to prevail 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, showing plenty of grit to match the glamour.

Later, Osaka revealed the inspiration behind the outfit: jellyfish.

“It’s really beautiful," she said, smiling. Mission accomplished.

Osaka’s win capped a lively day at Melbourne Park that featured drama, milestones and farewells.

Earlier, defending women’s champion Madison Keys admitted to feeling the nerves as she began her title defence. She dropped the first four games against Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova before settling down to win 7-6 (8/6), 6-1.

“It’s something I’ve been thinking about for basically a year," Keys said, after surviving a wobbly opening. The second set, at least, was far more convincing.

History was also made quietly but meaningfully when Janice Tjen stunned Canada’s Leylah Fernandez 6-2, 7-6 (7/1). The win made Tjen the first Indonesian woman to claim a main-draw match victory at the Australian Open in 28 years —  a remarkable rise for a player ranked outside the top 400 just a year ago.

Monfils Bids Adieu; Fonseca Stunned

There was emotion on the men’s side too, as Gael Monfils said goodbye to Melbourne Park.

The 39-year-old showman battled for nearly four hours but eventually fell to Australian qualifier Dane Sweeny in four sets. The result mattered less than the moment. A standing ovation followed, along with a heartfelt on-court thank you.

“Somehow it is the finish line," Monfils said. “Thank you so much for an amazing ride."

Elsewhere, there were routine wins and early exits — Ben Shelton moved on, Joao Fonseca bowed out.

(with agency inputs)

News sports tennis AO 2026: Osaka Dazzles, Tjen Makes History, Fonseca Gets Stunned At Melbourne

Read More