Australian Open 2026: Aussies in Double Trouble, Zverev vs. Alcaraz, and Djokovic's Semis Showdown
Get ready for the thrilling action of the Australian Open 2026! With 4K streaming on Stan Sport, you won't miss a single point. Every match is live and on demand, so you can catch all the excitement. Stream now at https://www.stan.com.au/watch/sport/tennis/australian-open?utmsource=age&utmmedium=in-article-promo&utm_campaign=nine-stan-pathways-australian-open
Courtside Fashion Fails and Grunting Disputes
In the mixed doubles final, the fashion choices of Olivia Gadecki and John Peers left something to be desired. While Olivia sported a lilac dress and a fluorescent yellow visor, John's black shorts and white shirt were a complete mismatch. Their on-court coordination didn't fare much better, as they fell behind 3-5 in the opening set against the French pair Kristina Mladenovic and Manuel Guinard. And it seems the French duo's fashion choices weren't much better, with Mladenovic in orange and Guinard in pastel green.
But the real controversy? Grunting! Aryna Sabalenka was warned for her grunts during her semi-final victory over Elina Svitolina. The chair umpire called it distracting, but Sabalenka defended herself, saying she was just exhaling. Two years ago, we explored the divisive topic of grunting in tennis, with Martina Navratilova against it and Ash Barty unfazed by Sabalenka's noisy exertions. It seems women are more often called out for grunting, but that doesn't mean men aren't guilty too.
Serve Struggles and Title Defense
Back on the court, the Australian pair of John Peers and Olivia Gadecki faced a familiar challenge. After breaking serve to level the scores at 2-2 in their mixed doubles final, Peers dropped his second service game, putting their French opponents Kristina Mladenovic and Manuel Guinard back in the lead. Perhaps they should have let Gadecki serve first.
The Aussies' bad start continued as Peers dropped his opening serve in the mixed doubles final. Their French opponents, Kristina Mladenovic and Manuel Guinard, pounced with some cracking returns, and the Aussies will need to break back quickly. With the roof open and the sun beaming down, the home-grown team has a decent crowd supporting them.
Aussie Duo Defends Title
Olivia Gadecki and John Peers, the defending champions, stepped onto the court to a warm welcome from Australian fans. They had just secured a nail-biting 7-6 (7-2), 2-6, (13-11) win over Nikola Mektic and Taylor Townsend. Now, they face off against the French pairing of Manuel Guinard and Kristina Mladenovic, setting the stage for an exciting match.
Djokovic Statue Debate: Yes or No?
Earlier, our reporters Marc McGowan and Danny Russell debated the possibility of a Novak Djokovic statue at Melbourne Park. But what do you think? We asked for your opinions, and the results are in! A resounding "no" was the most popular view, with many arguing that there are other tennis players who deserve one. Some pointed out that Djokovic isn't Australian, and his behavior during COVID was shameful. Others emphasized the importance of honoring Australian achievers at Melbourne Park.
Sabalenka and Rybakina's AO History
The women's semi-finals on Thursday night set the stage for a 2023 Australian Open final rematch between Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina. In their last encounter, Sabalenka won 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, claiming her first major title. Since then, they've traded blows, with Rybakina holding the upper hand. Both players have been in blistering form, and neither has dropped a set this Open, making for a thrilling final on Saturday night.
Will the Aussies Take the Mixed Doubles Crown?
As the mixed doubles crown is up for grabs on Margaret Court Arena, the Aussie pair of Olivia Gadecki and John Peers faces off against Kristina Mladenovic and Manuel Guinard of France. Who will emerge victorious? It's anyone's game, and the tennis fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome.
Weather Update: Time to Lather On the Sunscreen
With the sun beaming down, it's time to lather on the sunscreen! Today's key matches promise excitement, and you won't want to miss a single point. Stay tuned for more updates as the Australian Open 2026 unfolds.
