There’s so much happening at Australian Open 2026. It can be tough to keep up!
MORE: All the scores from Day 3 at AO 2026
That’s why we’re rounding up the best, wildest and most talked-about moments every day from Melbourne Park all in one place, bite-sized and easy to catch up on – so you never miss a moment.
Best shot – Gael Monfils
In his final Australian Open, Gael Monfils gave the crowd one last leapfrog before he eventually lost to Australian qualifier Dane Sweeney.
Best quote – Ben Shelton
There are 34 players from the American college system competing at Australian Open 2026. Ten years ago, there were 10. The highest-ranked of them all, men’s eighth seed Ben Shelton, said the experience hardened his mental resolve.
“I think college players are dogs for the most part,” Shelton said after his convincing win over Ugo Humbert on Tuesday.
“I don't feel like there's that many college players who come on tour and make it and are soft. I think you've got to get used to dealing with a lot when you're in college. Not everything is catered to you.
“Being a professional tennis player is a very self-centred job. Everything is catered to you, you know, what your team does for you. You have all these people trying to make your life easier, and you can kind of lose sight of life, I guess.”
Warmest moment – Madison Keys
AO 2025 champion Madison Keys showed why she’s so admired by fans and fellow players alike.
After a hard-fought win over Oleksandra Oliynykova, Keys joined the crowd in applauding the Ukrainian debutant.
Tattooed and with flowers painted across her nose and cheeks, Oliynykova stayed to sign autographs during Keys’ interview, smiling at the American’s praise.
“First of all, I just want to say my opponent today was incredible,” Keys said.
“She started so well, she’s such a great competitor and definitely made it tricky for me.”
Best practice – Andrey Rublev
It’s not often you get a world No.1 ball boy …
Best match – Jakub Mensik v Pablo Carreno Busta
Seeing Pablo Carreno Busta as your first-round opponent is never pleasant. That soon became a reality for 16th seed Jakub Mensik when he slipped down two sets to one, before clawing back to advance to the second round.
Having won a title in Auckland before arriving in Melbourne, the ‘Menimal’ remains undefeated in 2026.