AO 2026: Sinner, Djokovic Silence Melbourne Crowds; Swiatek, Keys March On

Last Updated:January 22, 2026, 15:41 IST

Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek, and Madison Keys advanced at the Australian Open, while Paula Badosa was upset by Oksana Selekhmeteva in straight sets.

(Credit: AP)

Defending champion Jannik Sinner made light work of home favourite James Duckworth to headline a dominant day for the top seeds at the Australian Open, as Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek and Madison Keys all moved safely into the next round.

Sinner was ruthless on Rod Laver Arena, brushing aside the 88th-ranked Duckworth 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 to stroll into the third round. Unfazed by a partisan crowd, the Italian barely loosened his grip on the match as he continued his hunt for a third straight Australian Open crown.

Not far behind was Novak Djokovic, who showed no mercy to 141st-ranked qualifier Francesco Maestrelli. The Serbian great, bidding for a record 25th Grand Slam title, cruised to a 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory and will next face Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp.

On the women’s side

Reigning champion Madison Keys again mixed brilliance with nerves. She raced through the opening set before recovering from a 2-5 deficit in the second to beat fellow American Ashlyn Krueger 6-1, 7-5, keeping her title defence alive.

Iga Swiatek was far more serene. The second seed, still chasing her first Melbourne crown, eased past Marie Bouzkova 6-2, 6-3, never appearing troubled.

American power continued elsewhere, with Jessica Pegula dismantling McCartney Kessler 6-0, 6-2 and Amanda Anisimova dispatching Katerina Siniakova 6-1, 6-4. There was shock, however, as 25th seed Paula Badosa exited after a straight-sets loss to Russia’s Oksana Selekhmeteva.

Other results on the men’s side

In the men’s draw, Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti won an all-Italian clash against Lorenzo Sonego, Ben Shelton cruised past Dane Sweeny, while Karen Khachanov and rising Czech Jakub Mensik also advanced.

(with AFP inputs)

News sports tennis AO 2026: Sinner, Djokovic Silence Melbourne Crowds; Swiatek, Keys March On

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