Melbourne (Global Tennis Chronicle) January 18, 2026 – Turkish qualifier Zeynep Sonmez pulled off a major upset by defeating 11th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 in the first round of the 2026 Australian Open. The 19-year-old became the first player from Turkey to reach the second round at the tournament, achieving the milestone on 1573 Arena. Sonmez converted six of 11 break points during the two-hour 15-minute battle under Melbourne’s summer sun.
Alexandrova, a Russian with prior quarter-final appearances at Melbourne, struggled with 38 unforced errors as Sonmez’s defence and flat groundstrokes prevailed in the decider. The victory marks Sonmez’s debut Grand Slam main-draw win and elevates her profile internationally.
Sonmez, ranked 92nd, now faces the winner of Rebecca Sramkova against 24th seed Jelena Ostapenko in the second round scheduled for Tuesday.
The match highlighted Sonmez’s qualifier form, having won three straight-sets victories to enter the main draw. Crowds on 1573 Arena, capacity 5,000, cheered the underdog’s resilience throughout.
Sonmez Takes Control in Gritty First Set
The play started at 11:00 AM on 1573 Arena amid temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius. Zeynep Sonmez, training at Evert Tennis Academy in Florida, opened aggressively, holding serve to 15 with two winners. Ekaterina Alexandrova, seeded 11th at world number 13, responded with powerful serves reaching 115 mph but faced pressure early.
At 2-1, Sonmez earned triple break point; Alexandrova saved the first two with aces, but netted a volley on the third, surrendering the break. Alexandrova broke back in game six on Sonmez’s double fault, levelling at 3-3. The Turk regained the lead at 4-3, saving two break points with deep returns.
As reported by Jamie Braidwood of The Independent, the set featured extended rallies, with Sonmez winning 68% of first-serve points to Alexandrova’s 62%. At 5-5, Sonmez held from 0-30, then broke in game 12 when Alexandrova’s forehand sailed long, clinching the set 7-5 after 48 minutes. Sonmez tallied 14 winners to 12 unforced errors in the opener.
Tennis journalist Chris Goldsmith captured the moment of the seed’s exit on social media. Chris Goldsmith (@TheTennisTalker) said in X post,
“Another seed falls Qualifier Zeynep Sonmez 🇹🇷 upsets Ekaterina Alexandrova 🇷🇺 7-5 4-6 6-4 The 11th seed out, the Turkish number through to the Australian Open 2nd round 👏 👏”
Another seed falls
Qualifier Zeynep Sonmez 🇹🇷 upsets Ekaterina Alexandrova 🇷🇺 7-5 4-6 6-4
The 11th seed out, the Turkish number through to the Australian Open 2nd round
👏 👏 pic.twitter.com/3Tk8ItgrgN
— Chris Goldsmith (@TheTennisTalker) January 18, 2026
Alexandrova Levels Scores in Power-Packed Second Set
Alexandrova elevated her game in the second set, boosting her first-serve percentage to 74% and targeting Sonmez’s backhand. The Russian held to love and broke at 1-1 after a 15-shot rally ended with Sonmez’s backhand wide. Sonmez broke back immediately at 2-2, using drop shots to disrupt rhythm.
Five breaks punctuated the frame, with Alexandrova saving two set points at 4-4 via crosscourt winners. Sonmez faltered in game 11, double-faulting to concede the break. Alexandrova served out 6-4, finishing with 25 winners against Sonmez’s 19. The set lasted 52 minutes, showcasing both players’ baseline prowess.
Courtney Nguyen of ESPN Tennis noted the tactical shift, stating Alexandrova’s experience forced the decider. Sonmez committed 10 unforced errors but showed mental fortitude, preparing for the heat-affected third.
Sonmez Edges Decider with Defensive Masterclass
Mutual holds opened the third set, with Sonmez saving break point at 2-2 via a lob winner. At 4-4, she broke when Alexandrova netted a volley under defensive pressure. Serving for the match at 5-4, Sonmez trailed 15-40 but won four straight points, sealing victory on her second match point with a backhand down the line.
Final stats: Sonmez 42 winners, 28 unforced errors; Alexandrova 51 winners, 38 errors. Sonmez won 48% of return points to 42%, crucial in the upset.
Simon Briggs of The Telegraph reported the historic nature, with Sonmez improving to 2-0 against top-20 players. The official Australian Open account celebrated the milestone shortly after. Australian Open (@AustralianOpen) said in X post,
“SUPER SONMEZ 🇹🇷 Zeynep Sonmez becomes the first player from Turkey to reach the second round at the Australian Open 👏”
SUPER SONMEZ 🇹🇷
Zeynep Sonmez becomes the first player from Turkey to reach the second round at the Australian Open 👏 pic.twitter.com/rDLdQg63dQ
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2026
Sonmez’s Qualifying Path and Career Trajectory
Sonmez earned her main-draw spot with 6-3, 6-4 over Linda Fruhvirtova and 7-6(4), 6-2 over Francesca Jones in qualifying. The Istanbul native turned professional in 2022, securing ITF W100 titles in Antalya and Sharm El Sheikh. Her 2025 highlights included a WTA 125 final in Oeiras, Portugal, propelling her into the top 100 at number 94.
Under coach Pierre Cantens at Evert Tennis Academy, Sonmez developed a flat-hitting style suited to hard courts. She reached French Open qualifying last year but debuted in a Grand Slam main draw here. Turkey’s tennis federation supports her alongside veterans like Çağla Büyükakçay.
Australian Open History of Qualifier Success Stories
Since its 1905 inception as the Australasian Championships, the Australian Open has hosted qualifiers upsetting seeds. Notable runs include Chris Lewis reaching quarters in 1986 and Maria Sharapova’s 2005 qualifier-inspired title charge. Recent examples: Linda Noskova defeated top seed in 2023; Sofia Kenin won as qualifier in 2020.
Melbourne Park’s Plexicushion surface, introduced 2008, aids aggressive play. The event moved from grass to Rebound Ace (1988) then hard courts. Capacity expanded from Kooyong’s 8,000 to 40,000 across 39 courts.
Rod Laver Arena (15,000 seats, refurbished 2019) namesake won 11 majors. Margaret Court owns 24 Slams, 11 Australian. Women’s Open Era: Serena Williams seven titles.
Day One Women’s Draw Key Results and Upsets
Jasmine Paolini (7) beat Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-1, 6-2; Maria Sakkari downed Leolia Jeanjean 6-4, 6-2; Elina Svitolina (12) won 6-4, 6-1 over Cristina Bucsa. Top seed Aryna Sabalenka defeated Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah 6-4, 6-1.
Other shocks: Elsa Jacquemot over Marta Kostyuk (20); Yulia Putintseva past Beatriz Haddad Maia. Attendance hit 92,000, nearing records.
Venus Williams, 45, wildcarded against Olga Danilovic; Emma Raducanu faces Mananchaya Sawangkaew.
Men’s: Alexander Zverev (3) beat Gabriel Diallo 6-7(1), 6-1, 6-4, 6-2; Arthur Fery upset Flavio Cobolli (20).
Tournament Logistics and Prize Money Details
The 2026 edition runs from 18 January to 1 February. First-round losers earn AUD 103,000; champions AUD 3.15 million from AUD 106.6 million pool—equal since 2001.
Director Craig Tiley announced full houses, renewable energy use, zero-waste aims. Sessions 11 AM-11 PM; free transport for holders. Broadcast to 200 territories via Eurosport, ESPN.
Qualifying 12-17 January added 24 per draw. Doubles from 20 January; juniors 24th; wheelchair parallel.
Sonmez’s Next Challenge and Turkish Milestone
Sonmez meets Sramkova or Ostapenko (24), potential path to Madison Keys (9). A win enters top 70 projection.
Post-match, Sonmez stated,
“This historic win motivates deeper progress.”
Büyükakçay reached Roland Garros third round (2016); Sonmez elevates Turkish tennis.
Fans expect strong second-round showing Tuesday on outer courts.
Australian Open 2026 Schedule Summary
Day One (18 Jan): 16 singles per gender first round. Results: Paolini 6-1 6-2; Zverev 6-7 6-1 6-4 6-2.
Day Two (19 Jan): 28 singles first round—Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek, Novak Djokovic.
Progression: Second round 21-22 Jan; third 23-24; fourth 25-26; QF 27-28; SF 29-30 Jan. Women’s final 31 Jan; men’s 1 Feb.
Arenas: Rod Laver, Margaret Court, John Cain, KIA, 1573, outers 5-15.