Australian Open 2026 Day 2 Preview: Djokovic, Gauff & Swiatek Take Centre Stage
Day 2 of the Australian Open promises high drama, star power and must-watch tennis as Novak Djokovic, Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek all step onto the Melbourne Park courts. With three heavyweight matchups on the schedule, fans can expect intensity, storylines and early tournament statements from the game’s biggest names.
Novak Djokovic vs. Pedro Martínez
Match link: Djokovic vs. Martínez
Ten-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic begins his campaign against Spain’s Pedro Martínez, a solid baseliner known for his work ethic and defensive skills. While Martínez is a capable competitor, the task ahead is enormous. Djokovic’s dominance in Melbourne is unmatched, and his experience on these courts gives him a commanding advantage.
Expect Djokovic to dictate play from the baseline, using his trademark return game to apply early pressure. Martínez will look to extend rallies and disrupt rhythm with variation, but breaking through Djokovic’s defence is easier said than done.
What to watch: Djokovic’s movement and precision in longer rallies. If he controls the tempo early, this one could be over quickly.
Coco Gauff vs. Kamilla Rakhimova
Match link: Gauff vs. Rakhimova
American star Coco Gauff enters the tournament full of confidence and ambition. Up against Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova, Gauff will look to assert her power and athleticism from the first ball. Her improved serve and aggressive forehand make her one of the most dangerous players on hard courts.
Rakhimova is no pushover, capable of striking clean winners and applying pressure when in form. However, she will need to play near-perfect tennis to challenge Gauff, who thrives in fast conditions and loves the big stage.
Key factor: Gauff’s ability to control points early and force Rakhimova onto the defensive.
Iga Swiatek vs. Yue Yuan
Match link: Swiatek vs. Yue Yuan
World number one Iga Swiatek opens her title charge against China’s Yue Yuan, who comes into the match with momentum and confidence. Swiatek, known for her relentless intensity and heavy topspin, remains one of the toughest opponents in women’s tennis.
Yuan will need to take risks and play aggressively to stay competitive. Swiatek’s court coverage and tactical awareness allow her to neutralise most threats, especially in longer exchanges.
Match insight: Watch how Swiatek manages the opening games – she often sets the tone early and never lets go.
Final Word
Day 2 at the Australian Open delivers a perfect mix of experience, youth and elite talent. Djokovic looks to continue his Melbourne reign, Gauff aims to prove she’s a genuine title contender, and Swiatek starts her journey toward another Grand Slam crown.
With packed stands and electric energy across the courts, fans are in for a thrilling day of world-class tennis.
