Stuttering Sabalenka sweats it out

Zverev survives early scare in Melbourne

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Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka hits a return against France's Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah during their women's singles match

(yesterday AFP)

Aryna Sabalenka launched her bid for a third Australian Open title in four years with a patchy performance yesterday as Alexander Zverev also overcame a shaky start to reach round two in front of record crowds.

Later on day one in Melbourne, Carlos Alcaraz begins his charge and the 45-year-old Venus Williams will become the oldest woman ever at the Grand Slam.

World No.1 Sabalenka, stunned by Madison Keys in the 2025 final, ultimately had too much power, guile and quality for French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah.

But the Belarusian took time to find her touch, making a series of unforced errors before taming the spirited 20-year-old 6-4, 6-1 on Rod Laver Arena.

“It is always tricky playing someone young, someone you don’t know, and a lefty [left-hander];’ said the top seed and title favourite.

Sabalenka said she had felt added pressure with tennis legends Roger Federer and Rod Laver court-side.