There’s so much happening at Australian Open 2026. It can be tough to keep up!
That’s why we’re rounding up the best, wildest and most talked-about moments every day of the AO, all in one place, bite-sized and easy to catch up on - so you never miss a moment.
Best shot: Lorenzo Musetti
You could have picked a handful of shots played by Lorenzo Musetti in his pulsating five-set triumph against Tomas Machac.
But we went for this outstretched backhand winner down the line to open the fifth set. After being stretched across the court, Musetti used his speed to chase down a wide ball, which we think is the ‘shot of the day’.
And an honourable mention to Valentin Vacherot for this wild return, making tennis look like table tennis.
Best racket catch: Lorenzo Musetti
Another one for the smooth Italian. In this case, we were grateful for the fault call because it produced this moment:
Best story: Luciano Darderi
Luciano Darderi had won two of his last 18 matches following his first-round exit to Pedro Martinez at Australian Open 2025. Now, the Italian has reached the second week of a major for the first time.
His 7-6(5) 3-6 6-3 6-4 triumph over No.15 seed Karen Khachanov at Kia Arena earns him a fourth-round showdown with compatriot Jannik Sinner.
This also marks the first time three Italian men have reached the round of 16 at Melbourne Park, with Musetti joining the duo.
Best interview moment: Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys
Following her 6-3 6-2 win over Oksana Selekhmeteva, No.6 seed Jessica Pegula now faces compatriot and fellow member of The Player’s Box podcast, Madison Keys, in the round of 16.
In what could possibly be the first Grand Slam match played between podcast co-hosts, Pegula addressed ideas for their next episode.
“Maybe we should tell Des [Desirae Krawcyzk, one of four co-hosts]. She’s here. She can go live on the pod during our singles match,” Pegula said.
“We’ll see what kind of segments we can come up with. It could be like a trash talk segment before we play.”
Keys spoke about the wagers Pegula proposed for the loser.
“She wants to make me eat her disgusting apple pie with cheese on top of it if I lose, which I said I refuse, so she’s going to have to think of something else.”
Best stat: Maddison Inglis
With the withdrawal of Naomi Osaka on Saturday, Maddison Inglis is through to the fourth round.
Four years after she almost achieved this feat at AO 2022, Inglis is the first Australian qualifier to reach the last 16 at the Australian Open since Amanda Tobin Dingwell in 1985.