Australian Open 2026 Day 5 Preview: Sabalenka, Alcaraz & de Minaur Headline Blockbusters
Day 5 of the Australian Open (Thursday, January 22, 2026) features marquee matchups across both the ATP and WTA draws as the tournament moves into Round 3. From elite power play to tactical intensity and home-court energy, Melbourne Park has plenty of intrigue ahead. Here’s what tennis fans should know before the action begins.
Aryna Sabalenka vs. Anastasia Potapova — Power vs. Precision
The Matchup
Top seed Aryna Sabalenka continues her march through the women’s draw when she faces Anastasia Potapova in a third-round battle that pits brute force against measured shot-making.
Official Match Details:
https://ausopen.com/match/2026-aryna-sabalenka-vs-anastasia-potapova-ws301
What to Expect
Sabalenka has looked dominant on hard courts this season, and her combination of heavy serves and depth from the baseline makes her a formidable opponent for anyone in Melbourne. Potapova offers a contrasting style: smooth ball striking and tactical precision that can disrupt rhythm when she stays consistent.
This is a classic matchup of big-shot aggression vs calculated placement. Expect Sabalenka to lean on her serve and forehand to dictate play, while Potapova could counter with angles and variety to stay competitive in longer rallies.
Sabalenka’s recent form and top seed status make her a heavy favorite, but Potapova’s flair and shot creativity mean there’s potential for momentum swings.
Carlos Alcaraz vs. Corentin Moutet — Creativity Meets Consistency
The Storyline
World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz steps back onto Rod Laver Arena to take on France’s Corentin Moutet, a crafty left-hander with a knack for disruption.
Head-to-Head Preview:
? https://www.atptour.com/en/players/atp-head-2-head/carlos-alcaraz-vs-corentin-moutet/a0e2/mw02
Tactical Breakdown
Alcaraz remains one of the most complete players on tour, combining explosive groundstrokes with elite court movement. His ability to transition from defense to offense in a heartbeat keeps opponents guessing.
Moutet, known for his creative variety and slice game, thrives on keeping rallies unpredictable. That style can occasionally force errors from even the best players — but against Alcaraz’s superior consistency and athletic intensity, moments of brilliance must be sustained over time to matter.
This is the kind of third-round match where experience and top-level shot execution can make all the difference. Expect Alcaraz to apply relentless pressure, while Moutet looks to extend points and disrupt rhythm early.
Alex de Minaur vs. Frances Tiafoe — Home Hope vs. American Power
The Matchup
Australia’s own Alex de Minaur brings the home crowd behind him in a thrilling Round 3 showdown with American Frances Tiafoe — a match brimming with athleticism and competitive fire.
Head-to-Head Preview:
? https://www.atptour.com/en/players/atp-head-2-head/alex-de-minaur-vs-frances-tiafoe/dh58/td51
Match Insights
De Minaur’s hallmark is relentless retrieval and defensive speed, traits that make him a tough out on Melbourne’s slick hard courts. Tiafoe complements that with explosive groundstrokes and fearless aggression, especially on big points.
Their head-to-head history shows a close series of contests, and with home support behind de Minaur, this encounter could deliver high-octane rallies and emotional momentum shifts. Tiafoe’s ability to strike big when the moment demands it gives him dangerous weapons — but de Minaur’s consistency and precision from the baseline are match-defining assets.
Expect punishing baseline exchanges, intense footwork from both players, and plenty of crowd involvement as this one unfolds.
Key Themes for Day 5
Here’s what makes Day 5 stand out:
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Top seeds under the spotlight: Sabalenka aims to maintain her title push, while Alcaraz looks to keep his career Grand Slam bid alive.
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Home-court thunder: De Minaur’s match has “night session classic” written all over it thanks to his Australian backing.
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Tactical intrigue: Potapova and Moutet provide contrasting styles that could unsettle their higher-seeded opponents.
As the draw tightens, these matches will not only shape the third round but also offer early clues about who’s hitting their stride at Melbourne Park.
