MELBOURNE, Australia — World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka opened her Australian Open campaign on Sunday, Jan. 18, with a straight-set victory over French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah. The Belarusian secured a 6-4, 6-1 win at Rod Laver Arena in one hour and 16 minutes. The result kept her bid for a fifth Grand Slam title firmly on track.

Sabalenka faced early resistance from the 20-year-old left-hander, who tested her rhythm in a competitive opening set. The top seed responded with aggressive baseline play and consistent serving to regain control of the match. She finished with 23 winners as she gradually imposed her experience.

Early resistance, strong response

Rakotomanga Rajaonah, playing only her second Grand Slam main-draw match, showed composure beyond her years. She moved Sabalenka across the court and forced extended rallies, preventing the world No. 1 from settling quickly.

Sabalenka lifted her level in the latter stages of the first set and broke serve in the 10th game. That breakthrough shifted the momentum decisively, allowing her to dictate play with power and depth from the baseline.

The second set followed a similar pattern early, with brief exchanges of momentum. Sabalenka soon tightened her service games and reduced her unforced errors, pulling away on the scoreboard.

Title pursuit continues

Sabalenka is seeking to make amends after her three-peat attempt was halted by Madison Keys in last year’s final. She has arrived in Melbourne determined to convert her top ranking into another major title.

“I faced a tricky start against a young left-hander I don’t know well, but I’m happy with how I managed the match,” Sabalenka said after the win.

The Belarusian will next face either Chinese qualifier Bai Zhuoxuan or Russian veteran Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. She will look to build momentum as the tournament progresses.