Day 1 of the 2026 Australian Open: Zhang Zhizhen and Bai Zhuoxuan Make Their Appearances, Top Male and Female Players Compete

The first day schedule of the 2026 Australian Open is out, with men’s and women’s top seeds Alcaraz and Sabalenka competing in their opening round matches. Chinese athletes Bai Zhuoxuan and Zhang Zhizhen will also make their appearances.

Sabalenka

Photo: Li Jianyi

At Rod Laver Arena, the opening match will see 7th seed Paolini take on qualifier Sasnovich, followed by men’s 3rd seed and former finalist Zverev facing Canadian Diallo. The night session will feature two headline players, starting no earlier than 16:00 Beijing time, with women’s top seed Sabalenka playing wildcard Lachjonah. Afterwards, men’s top seed Alcaraz will compete against Walton.

Bai Zhuoxuan

Photo: Li Jianyi

Regarding the Chinese players, Zhang Zhizhen will play against the 18th seed from Argentina, Cerundolo, on Margaret Court Arena. The two have met three times before, with Zhang leading 2-1, though Cerundolo won their most recent encounter at the 2023 Eastbourne grass tournament in straight sets. Bai Zhuoxuan, returning from injury in excellent form, advanced through qualifying to reach the main draw and will play the last match at Kia Arena against Russian veteran Pavlyuchenkova, who has reached the Australian Open quarterfinals four times (2025, 2019-2020, 2017).

Zhang Zhizhen

Photo: Visual China Group

Complete Schedule for Day 1 of the 2026 Australian Open

The 2026 Australian Open promises excitement; witness it with sponsor Guojiao 1573!

(Text and schedule by: Sunny)