Sabalenka overcomes 'tricky start' to progress

An error-strewn Aryna Sabalenka made a stodgy start to her Australian Open title charge in a 6-4, 6-1 win over French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah on Jan 18.

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The world No. 1, who is chasing a third Melbourne crown in four years, faces Chinese qualifier Bai Zhuoxuan next.

“I did not start my best but she was playing great — it was a tricky start,” said Sabalenka, who had lost the 2025 final.

The 27-year-old Belarusian, fresh from winning the season-opening Brisbane International, made a sloppy start in losing the first three points of the match when serving.

In front of tennis greats Roger Federer and Rod Laver watching from the stands, Sabalenka clawed back to deuce but then misfired again to fall a game down in front of a shocked Rod Laver Arena.

Sabalenka, who is favourite to add a fifth Grand Slam title to her career haul, pulled back level but if she expected the spirited world No. 118 to melt away, it did not immediately happen.

The reigning US Open champion offered an apology to her underdog opponent at 4-4 when she unleashed a forehand into the 20-year-old’s head.

Sabalenka’s error count continued to rise but she finally broke Rakotomanga Rajaonah’s resistance to claim the first set, then eased home in the second.

“I was super happy I found my level,” said Sabalenka, who was guilty of 13 unforced errors in the first set.