3 beat Kamilla Rakhimova 6-2, 6-3 but did so while struggling on serve, a reported seven double faults and 31 unforced errors marring an otherwise authoritative baseline game. After the win she offered a measured assessment: “I tried not to put too much pressure on myself. AI-generated illustrationLocal favorite Alex de Minaur provided a tidy win on Rod Laver Arena, defeating Mackenzie McDonald 6-2, 6-2, 6-3, while Tommy Paul and Andrey Rublev also navigated first-round tests. In the women’s draw, Sofia Kenin’s 6-3, 6-2 loss to Peyton Stearns signaled the depth and unpredictability that continue to define the field. High-profile retirements and surprise exits recalibrate television storylines and sponsor exposure, while the presence of established stars like Alcaraz, Medvedev and the returning Djokovic ensures sustained global interest.

Source: The Hindu January 19, 2026 13:57 UTC