(Melbourne) Russian Daniil Medvedev, 12^e world champion and three-time finalist in Melbourne, qualified on Monday for the second round of the 2026 edition of the Australian Open by beating the Dutchman Jesper De Jong (73^e) 7-5, 6-2, 7-6 (7/2).

“At times I could have been more clinical, so I hope I will be in the next few rounds,” he commented.

He played in Melbourne in the 2021, 2022 and 2024 finals but last year, as a prelude to a missed season, he lost in the second round against the American Learner Tien, then from qualifying but seeded N.25 this year.

This time, the winner of the United States Open in 2021 and former world No.1 will face Frenchman Quentin Halys (83^e) to try to advance to the third round.

“Last year was not my best season. But now, I’m playing better and better, so we’ll see,” commented Medvedev.

He is still undefeated this year after his title earlier this month in Brisbane where he reeled off five victories to earn his 22^e title in so many different tournaments.

(Melbourne) American Coco Gauff, 3^e world, passed the first round of the Australian Open without difficulty on Monday, dismissing Uzbek Kamilla Rakhimova (93^e) 6-2, 6-3.

“I tried not to put pressure on myself. I’m here to win the tournament. I will only be happy if I win the title,” commented the 21-year-old.

Gauff, who reached the semi-finals last year in Melbourne, his best result, will face in 2^e Serbian left-hander Olga Danilovic (69)^e).

“I trained against a left-hander, Alexandra Eala, because there aren’t many left-handers on the circuit. It’s going to be a tough game, but I’m looking forward to it,” Gauff said.

Winner of the US Open 2023 and Roland-Garros 2025, she served for the match at 5-2 but was unable to finish. She did so in the next game by taking Rakhimova’s serve for the sixth time.

“I would have preferred to end a game earlier on my serve, but we have many chances to break here,” Gauff emphasized.