Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 and one of the favourites to lift the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup at the 2026 Australian Open, has advanced to the second round after a decisive first-round victory at Melbourne Park. The defending champion and top seed showcased her trademark power and athleticism to move comfortably into Round 2 at Rod Laver Arena, and now her eyes are firmly set on the next challenge in her bid for another Grand Slam crown.
Here’s a comprehensive look at who Sabalenka will face next, plus when and where the match will be held, and how fans around the world can watch it live as the tournament unfolds.
Aryna Sabalenka Advances, Next Opponent Confirmed
Sabalenka opened her 2026 Australian Open campaign against French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah in the first round, eventually winning in straight sets to secure her place in the next round. After facing a brief early test, she found her rhythm and control, closing out the match with authority and earning her spot in the second round.
Her next opponent will be Bai Zhuoxuan, a Chinese qualifier who also advanced through her first-round match. Bai represents a rising force on the WTA Tour, having fought through qualifying rounds to earn her place in the main draw of one of tennis’s biggest stages. Her progression is part of a broader trend of qualifiers making waves at Melbourne Park, providing depth and unpredictability early in the tournament.
This second-round matchup pits Sabalenka’s powerful baseline game and superior major tournament experience against Bai’s tenacity and momentum – a classic contrast of established superstar versus in-form challenger.
Date, Time and Venue
- Match: Aryna Sabalenka vs Bai Zhuoxuan
- Round: Second Round — Women’s Singles
- Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
- Expected Time: Afternoon to early evening session (Exact timing to be confirmed with official Order of Play)
- Venue: Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Park, Melbourne
Although the precise schedule and court assignment will be published in the official Order of Play the evening before the match, second-round matches involving top seeds like Sabalenka are frequently slated for Rod Laver Arena — the Australian Open’s primary show court. Its retractable roof and expansive seating make it ideal for a high-profile fixture.
This venue is not only the site where champions are made, but also where many of the tournament’s most memorable performances unfold, providing ideal conditions — whether under sun or lights — for marquee clashes.
How to Watch Aryna Sabalenka’s Second Round Match: Live Streaming and TV Details
United States & North America
- ESPN / ESPN2: National TV coverage of Australian Open matches, including women’s singles.
- ESPN+ / ESPN Unlimited: Streaming platform with access to all courts, including featured matches, from the first round through to the final. Users can watch Sabalenka’s match live or on demand if they miss the broadcast.
Australia & Oceania
- Channel 9HD / 9Gem: Free-to-air coverage of the Australian Open, often featuring key matches live.
- 9Now: Free streaming with a registered account — live court feeds, highlights and replays.
- Stan Sport: Premium streaming option with extensive coverage, including multi-court access and on-demand replay.
United Kingdom & Europe
- TNT Sports / Discovery+ / Eurosport: These networks broadcast Australian Open action across the UK and much of Europe, offering both live TV and on-demand streaming. Viewers can tune into Sabalenka’s second-round match through their regional rights partner.
India & South Asia
- Sony Sports Network: Linear TV coverage across Sony’s sports channels throughout the event.
- SonyLIV: Streaming platform where fans can watch matches live, catch replays, and access expert commentary and highlights.
Other Regions
- Australian Open Official App / AusOpen.com: Real-time score updates, match stats and video highlights for all sessions. Many broadcasters also supplement coverage with their own apps and digital services. Fans outside broadcast territories can often tune in through subscription streaming services that carry regional rights.
Also Read: Aryna Sabalenka Crowns a Golden Era With Back-to-Back WTA Player of the Year Honours
Storylines in Sabalenka’s Second Round
Sabalenka arrives at her second-round match not only as the top seed in the women’s singles draw, but also as a player expected to challenge for the title. The Belarusian’s combination of powerful groundstrokes, aggressive serving and improved tactical variety has made her one of the most dominant forces on the WTA Tour entering the 2026 season.
Her opening-round win, while ultimately decisive, was marked by early nervy moments — a reminder that even top players can meet stern challenges from determined underdogs. That dynamic adds intrigue to her next match against Bai, who has momentum from qualifying and an upset victory in the first round. For Sabalenka, this round is about consolidating confidence and sharpening execution as the tournament builds toward the business end ahead.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching not only Sabalenka’s performance but also how her rivals, including Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff and Emma Raducanu, navigate their early rounds. A deep run for Sabalenka would reinforce her status as favourite after strong seasons on tour and add another compelling storyline to the 2026 Australian Open.
What Lies Ahead
With the second round set to unfold on January 21, Sabalenka’s match will be one of the first high-profile women’s singles fixtures on the main showcourt. A win over Bai would move her into the third round, where the draw becomes progressively tougher with several seeded contenders awaiting deeper in the bracket.
For now, global fans have a clear date, venue and streaming plan as Sabalenka prepares for her second-round showdown at the 2026 Australian Open. With big tennis on display in Melbourne Park, every match brings the possibility of upsets, thrilling rallies and momentum swings that make Grand Slam tennis one of sport’s richest spectacles.
