By Richard Pagliaro Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Photo credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty
The second quarter of the women’s draw at the Australian Open features some first-class first-round matchups.
The 2026 Australian Open draw takes place today at Melbourne Park.
defending champion Madison Keys Opening match against Ukraine Oleksandra Olynikova Possible second round of meeting with U.S. Ashlyn Krueger Or Czech Sarah Bellec.
Two-time AO champion Aryna Sabalenka is a strong favorite to regain the Melbourne Grand Slam title and will face the French wild card Tyanso Rakotomanga Rajaona.
Some interesting first-round games in the second quarter include:
*(8) Mira Andreeva v. Donna Vechic
* (23) Diana Schneider v. Barbara Krejcikova
*(15) Emma Navarro v. Magda Lynette
*(3) Coco Gauff v. Kamila Rashimova
Australian Open Women’s Draw 2026
Twice Grand Slam finalist Amanda AnisimovaAs the anchor of the third quarter, he should enjoy a favorable draw.
Fourth seed Anisimova joins (6) Jessica Pegula, (9) Madison Keys and former AO winner Sofia Kenin As one of four U.S. women’s seeds entering the third quarter, including the No. 13 seed Linda Noskova, 2025 AO Semi-finals Paola Badosa and former U.S. Open finalist Leila Fernandez.
Second seed Iga Swiatek, She is competing for her first AO crown to complete the career Grand Slam, against whom she will play in the qualifiers. Swiatek, who lost her fourth consecutive straight-sets loss to Coco Gauff at the Fed Cup last week, is tied with the reigning WTA Finals champion in the same fourth-quarter draw Elena Rybakinaformer Gold Medal Champion and Manchester United Cup MVP Belinda Bencic, Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka and No. 31 seed Anna Kalinskaya, He defeated the mighty Poles during his career.
