• Aryna Sabalenka defeated French wild card Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah 6-4, 6-1 in the first round of the 2026 Australian Open.
  • Sabalenka debuted pieces from a new jewelry collaboration with Material Good during her post-match press appearance.
  • Legends Roger Federer and Rod Laver sat in the front row; Sabalenka asked them for a selfie after the match.

H2: Sabalenka moves safely into second round

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the second round of the 2026 Australian Open with a straight-set victory over French wild card Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah. The top seed closed out the match 6-4, 6-1 after a cautious start, then asserted control in the second set.

Sabalenka admitted she began slowly because Rakotomanga Rajaonah was an unfamiliar opponent. “First of all, it’s the first match, right? You’re always kind of trying to figure out where you are,” she said. Despite the early questions, Sabalenka adapted quickly and used an aggressive approach—coming to the net 22 times—to finish the match.

H3: Jewelry collab on display

Instead of her usual post-match gear, Sabalenka emerged from the locker room wearing pieces from her new collaboration with Material Good. The world No. 1 praised the boutique and team behind the line, saying the partnership gave her “space to design things, to be creative, to be unique.”

The necklace she wore appeared to echo the evil-eye charm she often uses for luck on court—an accessory Sabalenka credited with helping her through a tricky opener against Rakotomanga Rajaonah.

H3: Selfies with Federer and Rod Laver

The match carried extra significance because two tennis icons, Roger Federer and Rod Laver, were watching from the front row. Sabalenka called the experience “incredible” and said she tried not to look to avoid added pressure. After the win she asked Federer and Laver for a selfie, a light-hearted moment that underscored the occasion.

“I just couldn’t do tweener, but it’s okay. Next time…” Sabalenka joked when asked if she tried to show off for Federer with any trick shots.

H2: What’s next for Sabalenka

Sabalenka will face either Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova or Bai Zhouxuan in the second round. The top seed’s quick recovery from an uncertain opening set and her willingness to come forward suggest she’ll remain a difficult matchup for anyone she faces.

H4: Spotlight on Rakotomanga Rajaonah

Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah, playing on a wild-card entry, pushed Sabalenka early but could not sustain pressure against the top seed’s aggressive returning and net play. The match marked a notable appearance for the French player, who will gain valuable experience from playing a world No. 1 on a grand-slam stage.

Sabalenka’s combination of form, confidence from her new partnership with Material Good, and the boost of performing in front of legends sets a bright tone as the tournament progresses.

Image Referance: https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/aryna-sabalenka-talks-jewelry-collab-selfies-with-rod-laver-roger-federer-at-australian-open