Kasatkina's Australian Open Hopes Dashed by Bartunkova in Tense Clash
Daria Kasatkina expressed frustration after her Australian Open campaign ended with a narrow defeat to the Czech qualifier Nikola Bartunkova. The world No. 126 secured a 7-6 (7), 0-6, 6-3 victory in a match marked by dramatic swings, leaving Kasatkina to rue missed opportunities.
Mixed Fortunes for Australian Players on Windy Melbourne Day
Tuesday at Melbourne Park brought unpredictable winds and contrasting outcomes for local tennis stars. While Kasatkina and Kimberly Birrell suffered late-night losses, the day concluded with six Australian women advancing to the second round, the highest number at a grand slam since 1992. This surge in home talent highlighted the competitive spirit of the tournament.
Inglis Overcomes Emotional Battle to Secure Second-Round Spot
Maddison Inglis emerged victorious in an all-Australian duel, defeating Kimberly Birrell 7-6 (6), 6-7 (9), 6-4 in a marathon match that finished after midnight. Overwhelmed with emotion, Inglis broke down at the conclusion, stating, "I absolutely adore her so it was really hard to see her on the other side, but I’m stoked I could play through those feelings and be in the second round. It means the world." Her win underscored the intense personal stakes in professional tennis.
Kasatkina Reflects on Defeat and Physical Challenges
Kasatkina, a 28-year-old former Russian who recently passed her Australian citizenship test, pinpointed "small details which I’m missing" as the key factor in her loss. She failed to convert two set points in the first set and allowed Bartunkova to gain momentum early in the decider. During the match, Kasatkina smashed her racket in frustration and later cited stress and a long wait as energy-draining factors, adding that she took fluids to combat cramp. Her limited match play since October contributed to the struggle.
Sweeny and Duckworth Boost Australian Men's Contingent
On the men's side, Dane Sweeny and James Duckworth enhanced Australia's presence in the second round, bringing the total to five players. Sweeny's victory over French veteran Gaël Monfils was particularly poignant, as it marked Monfils' final appearance at Melbourne Park. Sweeny won 6-7 (3), 7-5, 6-4, 7-5, dropping to the ground in elation after the match. Monfils, who announced 2026 as his last tour year, received a standing ovation and a gift from tournament director Craig Tiley, reflecting on his two-decade connection to the event.
Looking Ahead to the Next Round
Sweeny now faces the eighth seed, Ben Shelton, in the second round, carrying momentum from his emotional win. He summed up the moment by writing "This too shall pass" on a camera lens, explaining, "The only constant in life is change really, and this is a big moment, it’s exciting, but it will come back down." This philosophical outlook sets the stage for further drama in the tournament.
