Australian Open 2026 Day 5 Preview: Sinner, Djokovic & Swiatek Lead the Charge
Day 5 of the Australian Open (Thursday, January 22, 2026) delivers blockbuster matchups as tennis’s biggest names take center stage. From defending champions to rising threats, this round promises intensity, momentum shifts and headline-worthy competition. Here’s your full preview with official match links and key insights ahead of play.
Jannik Sinner vs. James Duckworth — Speed vs. Heart
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner faces a spirited challenge from Australia’s James Duckworth in a clash that pits elite shotmaking against unwavering home-crowd energy.
Head-to-Head & Match Profile:
Sinner vs. Duckworth – ATP Tour H2H
https://www.atptour.com/en/players/atp-head-2-head/james-duckworth-vs-jannik-sinner/d994/s0ag
What to Watch
Sinner’s precision, explosive baseline play and tactical variety make him a firm favorite. His ability to reset and attack with surgical consistency should put pressure on Duckworth from the outset. Duckworth, meanwhile, thrives on grit and adrenaline — traits that can make up for ranking gaps, especially when buoyed by a passionate Aussie crowd.
The key for Sinner will be maintaining rhythm on serve and minimizing unforced errors. If Duckworth can extend rallies and capitalize on break-point opportunities, this could evolve into a riveting first-to-four-break win.
Prediction angle: Sinner’s firepower likely carries him through, but expect spirited resistance — and key points that could test the champion’s early-round focus.
Novak Djokovic vs. Francesco Maestrelli — Experience Meets Youth
Novak Djokovic, a multiple-time Australian Open champion, returns to Rod Laver Arena with legacy and benchmarks on the line. On paper, his first-round opponent, Francesco Maestrelli, brings youthful energy but limited Grand Slam experience.
Head-to-Head & Match Link:
Djokovic vs. Maestrelli – ATP Tour H2H
https://www.atptour.com/en/players/atp-head-2-head/novak-djokovic-vs-francesco-maestrelli/d643/m0if
Tactical Preview
Djokovic’s unparalleled movement, return prowess, and clutch mentality make him one of the toughest outs in major competition. Against Maestrelli, expect precision serving, tactical depth, and relentless pressure from the baseline.
Maestrelli’s strengths include agility and a willingness to engage — but Djokovic’s experience in best-of-five matches and mastery in big moments set a high bar. The determining factor may be how soon Djokovic finds his rhythm; if he does early, this could be a short affair.
Fan takeaway: Expect textbook tennis from Djokovic — deep rallies, sharp angles, and strategic dominance.
Iga Swiatek vs. Marie Bouzkova — Power & Poise
The Matchup
No. 2 seed Iga Swiatek opens her Australian Open campaign against the consistent and competitive Marie Bouzková, in a matchup that unites power with tactical sharpness.
Official Match Link:
https://ausopen.com/match/2026-marie-bouzkova-vs-iga-swiatek-ws232
Preview Insight
?wi?tek’s signature blend of athleticism, depth and strategic shot-making makes her one of the game’s most complete players. Against Bouzková, she’ll aim to dictate tempo from the baseline while exploiting angles that test her opponent’s court coverage.
Bouzková, known for her competitive grit and variety, can extend rallies and shift momentum quickly — particularly if ?wi?tek’s first serve isn’t firing. Yet on hard courts, the Pole’s consistency and forceful groundstrokes often create openings early.
Matchup edge: ?wi?tek’s experience and tactical versatility tilt this in her direction, but expect tight games and highlight-worthy rallies.
Day 5 Storylines — Key Themes
Here’s what makes Day 5 must-watch TV:
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Champions on court: Sinner and Djokovic anchor headline matches with legacy implications.
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New stories emerging: Bouzková vs Swiatek could balance tactical flair with sheer power.
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Home excitement: Duckworth’s drive to thrill the local fans adds extra buzz.
As the draw unfolds, Day 5 shapes momentum for contenders and reveals early clues about who’s peaking under the Melbourne sun.
