Australian Open 2026 Rounds 1–2: The Qualifiers Are Here, and They Brought a Crowd
If the first two rounds of the Australian Open are any indication, 2026 is starting loud. Not just on court, but in the stands. Every day has felt like another record crowd announcement, and it tracks because Melbourne Park looks less like a venue and more like a summer festival that happens to have world-class tennis in the middle of it. Tennis is not just “on” right now. Tennis is an event, and the Australian Open is leaning all the way into that.
The biggest through-line so far has been the qualifier takeover. We say it every year, and we mean it every year. Do not ignore the little “Q” next to a player’s name. This tournament has been a reminder that qualifying is not a side plot. It is the main story. Between early upsets, packed outside courts, and players feeding off the energy, the first week has already delivered those “how is this happening in round one?” moments.
One of the clearest examples of tennis fandom becoming something bigger is the way certain players are pulling crowds that do not match the court they are placed on. Alex Eala is the headline here. If you want a quick reality check on her popularity, you can literally see it in the view counts on Australian Open content. She is must-watch, and she carries herself like someone who understands the moment. Even in defeat, she is composed, thoughtful, and wildly appreciative of the people showing up for her. It feels like watching a player step into a bigger version of their career in real time. The good news is that her schedule keeps rolling, and there is even more opportunity for her to build momentum soon.
Then there is Zeynep Sonmez, who has basically turned every corner of her court into a sea of red and white. It has been genuinely fun to watch because it is not just support. It is presence. Atmosphere matters in tennis, and this event has been full of it. When fans travel, show up early, and make a match feel like a home fixture, it changes the texture of the tournament. Add in the broader trend of tennis drawing new audiences and the festival vibe around tournaments, and you get what we are seeing in Melbourne right now.
On the pure “tennis is so back” side of things, the WTA Next Gen is also making this first week feel fresh. Mirra Andreeva, Victoria Mboko, and Iva Jovic are not just getting through. They are looking like they belong in the second week conversation. And it does not stop there. We also talked Teresa Valentova and Nikola Bartunkova, and why this wave is bigger than a couple of names. The depth is real. The confidence is real. The matchups are starting to feel like the future arriving early.
We also had our share of classic week-one moments. Yulia Putinseva gave us the kind of early drama that only she can deliver. Marta Kostyuk’s exit was a tough one, especially with the injury timing when she was looking sharp coming in. Felix Auger-Aliassime going out early to Nuno Borges was another reminder that there are no “easy” first rounds anymore. Borges is good enough to make that matchup feel uncomfortable from the start.
And then we have to talk about Stan. Stan Wawrinka making a third round at 40 is the kind of story that makes Grand Slams feel special. It is not just the shots. It is the mindset. It is the refusal to let the moment pass without a fight. He earned himself another big stage match, and it has been one of the most rewarding storylines of the tournament so far.
From there, we turn to what might be the best-looking Round 3 slate in a while. It is one of those “clear your schedule” rounds, where you look at the draw and keep finding another match you do not want to miss. We highlighted everything from Wawrinka vs Fritz to Paolini vs Jovic, plus Shelton vs Vacherot, Sonmez vs Putinseva, and the match we are all circling because it connects to our world in a very real way.
Because yes, the Off Season effect is happening. Eliot Spizzirri, Ethan Quinn, and Hailey Baptiste all making Round 3 has been genuinely rewarding to watch after seeing their work up close. Quinn’s serving has been electric. Spizzirri gets the ultimate test next. Baptiste vs Gauff is a fascinating fitness and problem-solving matchup. Whether you call it momentum, preparation, or something in the air, it is been a fun storyline, and we are watching every point.
