Paolini Cruises Past Sasnovich, Svitolina Powers Through as Alexandrova Falls to Qualifier Sonmez at Australian Open

Action-Packed Sunday in Melbourne: Paolini Dominates, Svitolina Stays Unbeaten, Alexandrova Out Early

© AFP

Adrien Guyot

le 18/01/2026 à 08h37

1 min to read

Alexandrova Ekaterina Bucsa Cristina Open d'Australie Paolini Jasmine Sasnovich Aliaksandra Sonmez Zeynep Svitolina Elina

The new edition of the Australian Open is underway. In the women's draw, three top-15 players have already played their first round on this Sunday. That's the case for Jasmine Paolini.

The Italian, world No. 7, had to navigate the trap set by Aliaksandra Sasnovich. The Belarusian, coming through qualifying, remains an experienced player capable of troubling many opponents.

But Paolini left only crumbs for her opponent. Helped by Sasnovich's 39 unforced errors, the double Grand Slam finalist prevailed in two sets (6-1, 6-2) and advanced to the second round. She will face Magdalena Frech or Veronika Erjavec there.

Ça passe aussi pour Svitolina, Alexandrova éliminée

Another contender in action, Elina Svitolina. The Ukrainian, who won Auckland to kick off her season and remains unbeaten in 2026, faced Cristina Bucsa. The Spaniard got off to a strong start, but the world No. 12 eventually found her rhythm.

She ramped up her game and won in two sets (6-4, 6-1). A second-round matchup against Francesca Jones or Linda Klimovicova awaits.
Finally, Ekaterina Alexandrova is already out.

The Russian, WTA No. 11 and coming off the best season of her career, stumbled against Zeynep Sönmez. The Turkish qualifier prevailed in a tight match (7-5, 4-6, 6-4) and will face Anna Bondar or Elizabeth Mandlik.