The USA’s Amanda Anisimova and Jessica Pegula posted businesslike performances on Monday, leading a contingent of top seeds safely through to the second round of Australian Open 2026.
MORE: All the results from AO 2026
Fourth seed Anisimova needed just an hour to earn a 6-3 6-2 victory over Switzerland’s Simona Waltert, delivering a performance that thrilled fans on Margaret Court Arena.
“It’s really good to be back here, I feel like it’s my second home here in Australia, I love playing here,” the 24-year-old said. “First round is never easy [at the] first Grand Slam of the year, so [I'm] really happy to be through.”
“The most important thing is that I had a good attitude for the entire match, and I was able to pick up my level a little bit in the second set and cut down on some errors,” she added.
The powerful right-hander struck 15 unforced errors in the first set but whittled that figure down to five in the second.
Anisimova identified consistency and discipline as two areas she plans to focus on.
“When you put in the work every day… you get fitter and then you can improve even more,” she said, pledging to treat the process with patience. “It's not a sprint, I mean, it's more like a marathon.”
“I'm just hoping that day by day I stay healthy and I keep doing the right things [and] I trust the team that I have to help me improve on that.”
Riding confidence gained from reaching the first two finals of her career at last year’s Wimbledon and US Open, the American said she enjoys competing at the AO in part because Melbourne’s vibrant crowds create an electric atmosphere.
“It’s a beautiful city, beautiful courts and I think every single player shares that sentiment,” she said. “Hopefully I’ll be playing some night matches this week.”
'Ideal situation' for Pegula
Over at John Cain Arena, the sixth seeded Pegula struck 20 winners as she eased past first-time opponent Anastasia Zakharova 6-2 6-1 in 66 minutes.
“That was a pretty ideal situation,” the three-time AO quarterfinalist said. “When those come around, you just take it, because I’ve seen a lot of really tough matches the last few days.”
“[I] did exactly what I wanted to do, I felt like my game plan worked really well.”
“It's always nice when you are right about the strategy and you are able to execute what you need to - it makes your life a lot easier, so I'm happy with today.”
Not all seeded American women were able to join their compatriots Anisimova, Pegula and No.3 seed Coco Gauff in the winners’ circle.
AO 2020 champion and 27th seed Sofia Kenin suffered a 6-3 6-2 defeat to another American, Peyton Stearns, a first-time victor at Melbourne Park, while 15th seed Emma Navarro was upset by AO 2023 semifinalist Magda Linette 3-6 6-3 6-3.
In other action, 13th seed Linda Noskova took 58 minutes to dismantle Darja Semenistaja 6-3 6-0, 14th seed Clara Tauson swept past Dalma Galfi 6-3 6-3 and Karolina Muchova, the popular 19th seed, outlasted Jacqueline Cristian 6-3 7-6(6).
And despite a heavily strapped right leg, Canadian No.17 seed Victoria Mboko made a dream AO debut, vanquishing 17-year-old local hope Emerson Jones 6-4 6-1.
But it wasn’t all bad news for home fans. Delighting a throng of supporters decked out in green and gold, Australians Storm Hunter and Priscilla Hon took victories over Jessica Bouzas Maneiro and Marina Stakusic, respectively.
Over on Court 6, Alycia Parks dashed the hopes of the hundreds of Filipino fans out in force to witness the AO debut of Alexandra Eala. Recovering from a slow start, the 25-year-old American drowned out the cheers for her opponent to triumph 0-6 6-3 6-2.
Delighting a throng of supporters decked out in green-and-gold, Australians Storm Hunter, Priscilla Hon and Ajla Tomljanovic earned victories over Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, Marina Stakusic and Yuliia Starodubtseva respectively.