Get ready for some thrilling tennis action as the Australian Open qualifying rounds kick off in Melbourne! While the British women's contingent was absent on Day 1, the tournament still boasted some heavy-hitters. Among them were Taylor Townsend, the doubles World No. 2, and Sloane Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion. These stars, along with others, secured their spots in the second round of this three-round competition.
Sloane Stephens, reflecting on her victory, shared, "I haven't won in a very long time, so it was a great feeling to finally get that win. Playing here is always special."
The 11th-seeded Townsend faced a tough battle against Japan's Nao Hibino, ultimately prevailing in a gripping 6-7(3), 6-0, 7-5 encounter on Kia Arena. Townsend, a former AO junior champion and current women's doubles champion, attributed her success to her problem-solving skills and an 'amazing headspace' she's in after a refreshing off-season.
"I'm super proud of myself for the way I approached this match and the solutions I found," she said.
Townsend's off-season included a vacation with two-time AO champion Naomi Osaka, and she spoke highly of their shared experiences and mutual respect. "Having a friend on tour like Naomi is really cool. I haven't had that kind of comfort in a long time," she added.
Earlier on Monday, Townsend's compatriot, Stephens, secured a 6-1, 7-5 victory over Barbora Palicova of Czechia, marking her first win since Wimbledon 2024. Stephens, a former AO semi-finalist, echoed Townsend's sentiments about the significance of winning after a long drought.
"It's always special to play here. I'm just happy to get the win," she said.
Stephens, who was sidelined by a foot injury for most of 2025, revealed that she played more matches during the off-season to prepare for the upcoming challenges. The former World No. 3 is optimistic about her future in the tournament.
"It's all about looking forward, not backward," she emphasized.
In other matches, Spaniard Guiomar Maristany Zuleta De Reales caused a major upset by defeating the 3rd seed, Mayar Sherif from Egypt, setting up a second-round clash with Tatiana Prozorova from Russia.
The No. 2 seed, Lucia Bronzetti, narrowly avoided an early exit, defeating Spain's Aliona Bolsova in a three-set thriller. Bronzetti, who previously upset two-time AO champion Victoria Azarenka, is aiming for her third main draw appearance and will face American Mary Stoiana in the next round.
Viktoriya Tomova, a former top 50 player from Bulgaria, also advanced to the second round of qualifying, defeating American Bernada Pera in a come-from-behind victory. Tomova expressed relief at getting through a tough first-round draw and appreciated the milder weather conditions.
Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva, the first Andorran player to win a Grand Slam, also joined the winners' circle, defeating Kayla Cross of Canada. In other matches, Viktoria Hruncakova of Slovakia defeated Sada Nahimana of Burundi in straight sets.
Stay tuned for more exciting action as the Australian Open qualifying rounds unfold!
