Sun Jan 18 10:00:00 UTC 2026: # Paolini and Sakkari Cruise to Second Round at Australian Open 2026
The Story:
Jasmine Paolini, the No. 7 seed, and Maria Sakkari both secured comfortable straight-set victories on Day 1 of the Australian Open 2026. Paolini dominated Aliaksandra Sasnovich with a score of 6-1, 6-2, while Sakkari rallied after a slow start to defeat Leolia Jeanjean. Both players are aiming to surpass their previous best result in Melbourne, which is the fourth round.
Key Points:
- Paolini defeated Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-1, 6-2.
- Sakkari defeated Leolia Jeanjean in straight sets after overcoming a 4-1 first-set deficit.
- Paolini saved the only break point she faced.
- Sakkari faced only one break point, which she lost.
- Paolini needed 4 match points to secure the win.
- Sasnovich committed 39 unforced errors compared to Paolini’s 9.
- Paolini is competing in her 25th Grand Slam main draw.
- Sakkari is contesting her 40th Grand Slam main draw, and her 38th consecutive since Wimbledon 2016.
Key Takeaways:
- Jasmine Paolini demonstrates strong form and focus in her opening match.
- Maria Sakkari shows resilience by recovering from an early setback to win her match.
- Both players are experienced Grand Slam competitors with their sights set on deep runs in the tournament.
- Unforced errors were a major factor in Sasnovich’s defeat.
First Piper 