There’s so much happening at the Australian Open. It can be tough to keep up!
MORE: All the scores from AO 2026
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 – Jakub Mensik
Jakub Mensik went full ‘Menimal’ at the perfect moment in his second-round win over Rafael Jodar. Already leading by two sets, the 16th seed unleashed a sliding backhand winner past the Spaniard to break back in the third.
Best celebration – Maddison Inglis
Things were in the balance for qualifier Maddison Inglis after she dropped the second set to Laura Siegemund on Thursday. But with classic Aussie spirit, she dug in and fought for the third to topple an opponent ranked more than 100 places above her, winning 6-4 6-7(3) 7-6[10-7].
Through to her first Australian Open third round since 2022, the emotion said it all.
THIS is what it means 🇦🇺
Maddison Inglis is through to her first AO third round since 2022 👏@wwos • @espn • @tntsports • @wowowtennis • #AO26 pic.twitter.com/YEYkJ5Hrdm— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 22, 2026
Best story – Karolina Pliskova
Karolina Pliskova’s last Grand Slam appearance came at the 2024 US Open, where she retired injured against Jasmine Paolini. Since then, the former world No.1 has fought back from the significant ankle injury, and in Melbourne has won her first two matches in straight sets, defeating former US Open champion Sloane Stephens and rising Indonesian talent Janice Tjen.
For Pliskova, the focus is simply time on court. “Just the confidence of playing matches and making decisions - where to play, how to play - I think you need to spend time on the court to be sure about that.”
Defending champion Madison Keys is Pliskova’s third round opponent.
Best win – Ethan Quinn
AO 2026 is fast becoming the tournament for players with college ties. Former University of Georgia standout Ethan Quinn joined Ben Shelton in the third round after an impressive straight-sets win over Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz.
The 21-year-old’s Australian Open main-draw debut on Tuesday was just as eye-catching, as he dismantled 23rd seed Tallon Griekspoor 6-2 6-3 6-2.
“I was sitting next to Ben [Shelton] when I finished my match,” Quinn said.
“I'm sure his phone probably doesn't blow up as much anymore after he wins a Slam match, but for me I'm having hundreds of messages. So it's now having to figure out how to balance that type of stuff after a match.”
The American No.80 now faces Jakub Mensik in the third round.
Best stat – Valentin Vacherot
Many will remember Valentin Vacherot’s remarkable run from qualifying to the 2025 Shanghai Masters title. Now, he’s made another mark at Melbourne Park, becoming the first player from Monaco to reach the third round of a Grand Slam.
“I know a lot of people follow me back home. A lot of people stayed awake,” he said.
“I don't really look at all this, but of course, in the back of my head, there’s a little pride.”
Vacherot will face Ben Shelton in a mouth-watering third-round clash.