MELBOURNE, Jan 18, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Carlos Alcaraz launches his bid for tennis history while women's world number one Aryna Sabalenka is also in action on the first day of the Australian Open on Sunday. In early matches, seventh-seeded Italian Jasmine Paolini outclassed Belarusian qualifier Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-1, 6-2 on a hot and sunny Rod Laver Arena. Spain's Alcaraz has won the US Open, Wimbledon and French Open but the Melbourne Park crown is the one Grand Slam missing from his impressive resume. Alcaraz launches his title charge against 79th-ranked home player Adam Walton in the final match of the day on Rod Laver Arena. Opening the night session on Rod Laver Arena is Sabalenka, who is aiming to win a third Melbourne crown in four years.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha January 18, 2026 03:13 UTC