Felix Auger-Aliassime unable to explain sudden Australian Open retirement: ‘It hurts’
There was also a retirement on the men’s side – and a big shock at that – as seventh seed Felix Auger-Aliassime was forced to quit his first-round match against Nuno Borges at the Australian Open.
Auger-Aliassime said he started to cramp at the start of the third set but admitted he couldn’t remember struggling physically so early into his first match at a tournament.
Jamie Braidwood19 January 2026 08:37
Tearful Fran Jones forced to retire from Australian Open match due to injury
Fran Jones admitted she may need to seek expert physical help after retiring in tears from her first-round match at the Australian Open.
Having arrived in Melbourne unsure whether she would be fit enough to play because of a groin problem, the British number three suffered a gluteal injury in the same right leg after an early stumble against Polish qualifier Linda Klimovicova.
Jones became more emotional as the contest went on and, after seeking medical help early in the second set, she decided she could not continue trailing 6-2 3-2.
Jamie Braidwood19 January 2026 08:35
Novak Djokovic in late-night action on Rod Laver Arena
Novak Djokovic’s first-round match against Pedro Martinez will follow the women’s singles contest between second seed Iga Swiatek and Yue Yuan.
But it’s the Chinese qualifier who has made the better start, with Yuan taking the opening break. She had a chance to make it a double-break, too, but Swiatek held on.
Jamie Braidwood19 January 2026 08:34
Australian Open order of play and tournament schedule
He will begin his campaign on Rod Laver Arena against Spain’s Pedro Martinez, the world No 71, in the night session. Two-time Australian Open runner-up Daniil Medvedev and home favourite Alex de Minaur, the sixth seed, were also be in action.
Jamie Braidwood19 January 2026 08:30



