2026 Australian Open: Bai Zhuoxuan falls to No.1 Sabalenka, missing out on the round of 32

On January 21, the 2026 Australian Open singles second round began, with Chinese athlete Bai Zhuoxuan opening on Rod Laver Arena against two-time titleholder and world No.1 Sabalenka. After 72 minutes of competition, Bai was defeated 3-6, 1-6, missing the chance to advance to the round of 32. Sabalenka is set to play the winner of Potapova vs. Raducanu in the next round.

Sabalenka

Sabalenka started aggressively, scoring eight consecutive points in a dominant run. Bai, slow to find her rhythm, quickly fell behind 0-5. However, she gradually adapted to the world No.1’s power and intensity near the end of the set, winning three games in a row to narrow the score to 3-5. In Sabalenka’s serve to close the set, Bai fought hard to save three set points, but Sabalenka delivered two high-quality serves in succession and sealed the set 6-3. In the second set, Sabalenka played even more dominantly, allowing Bai little chance to counterattack. The world No.1 broke serve three times and secured the set 6-1 to clinch the match.

Bai Zhuoxuan

Although Bai Zhuoxuan exited in the second round, her Australian Open journey was still fruitful. In her first Grand Slam since returning, she advanced from the qualifiers all the way to the round of 64 and earned the valuable opportunity to challenge the world No.1 on the center court. She also received blessings from her idol Jay Chou, who was present to support her during today’s match. Starting the new season with such an impressive performance raises great anticipation for Bai’s 2026 campaign.

Wang Xinyu / Zheng Saisai

In a first-round women’s doubles match on Court 5, the Chinese pair Wang Xinyu and Zheng Saisai were defeated 3-6, 4-6 by the local wildcard team Cabrera and Preston.

(Text and editing by Wang Fei)