By Richard Pagliaro Monday, January 19, 2026
Image Credit: Jacob Pacheco Twitter
The heat in Melbourne took its toll on Monday, leading to a pair of Canadians being knocked out of the Australian Open.
Canadian Qualifiers Marina Starcusik In the final, he fell to the ground after a 3-level draw with the Australian P team.Han Ruishila Apparently suffering from back problems and hot environment. The temperature on the court reached about 87 degrees Fahrenheit, and the humidity was high.
Although Stacusic continued to play a few more games, she was forced out as Hong led 1-6, 6-4, 5-3.
Tournament officials carried Stakusic away in a wheelchair.
🇨🇦(Q)Marina Stakusic cannot continue. She tries her best, but barley can move out. A fierce battle between players from both sides.
🇦🇺Priscilla Hon was happy to be there to comfort Marina. The World Cup in Australia reaches the second round when another Canadian withdraws due to injury. #AustraliaOpen #AO26 pic.twitter.com/E1wre0cS89
— Jacob Pacheco (@JacobPacheco6) January 19, 2026
Australian wildcard Hon won her first AO singles title since 2020, but apparently it didn’t end the way she had hoped.
“I mean, obviously I didn’t want to win like that, but, yeah, I do feel very relieved because I
Going into the second round,” Hong told media in Melbourne. “I mean, I really hope she feels better.
“It was quite a scene. I had a lot of people come up to me and say, wow, that’s so dramatic. Yeah, I’m happy to be in the second round.”
Asked how she copes with the heat, Hon replied: “I’m Australian.”
“I mean, I’m Australian, so I should be pretty used to it,” said Hon. “Yeah, it’s definitely warm in there and I think nerves, stress levels, that all affects it.
“Obviously everyone is stressed out about playing a major, so that doesn’t really help.”
Previously, two U.S. Open semifinals Felix Auger-Aliassime Retired after cramping at tailback Nuno Borges of Portugal 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.
Image source: Australian Open Facebook
After losing the third set, Auger-Aliassime, who appeared to have injured his hamstring, stopped playing in the first round and slowly walked to the net to shake hands.
This is heartbreaking for the FAA, but we know you’ll come back stronger ❤️🩹
Borges advanced to the second round (retired) with 3-6 6-4 6-4@wwos • @espn • @tntsports • @Wowowtennis • #AO26 pic.twitter.com/uWKsBDqzkB
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 19, 2026
“I was fine, but I started cramping at the beginning of the third set,” Auger-Aliassime said. “Yes, it became
It’s hard to be competitive at this level.
“I tried one set, but it wasn’t possible today.”
