omljanovic Outlasts Starodubtseva in 2.5-Hour Australian Open Thriller

MELBOURNE : Ajla Tomljanovic has silenced injury doubts with a remarkable come-from-behind victory at John Cain Arena, defeating Ukrainian qualifier Yuliia Starodubtseva 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-1.

The victory, achieved in Tomljanovic’s 400th tour-level match, headlines a historic day for Australian tennis.

Tomljanovic entered Melbourne Park under a cloud of uncertainty after retiring from the Adelaide International just last week with a pectoral injury. Despite losing the opening set 6-4 in 53 minutes, the 32-year-old showed no signs of physical distress as the match wore on.

“The way she was up against it, against an opponent who came out playing so well — she really deserves it,” said commentator Jelena Dokic. “She was so tough mentally and physically.”

The match reached its crescendo in a high-stakes second-set tiebreak. At 4-2, the players engaged in an grueling 28-shot rally that saw both athletes sprinting corner-to-corner. Tomljanovic eventually secured the point with a clinical drop volley, a moment Sam Smith described in commentary as a “great Aussie fightback.”

Ajla Tomljanovic reacts during her first-round clash with Yuliia Starodubtseva at the 2026 Australian Open.

As Starodubtseva struggled with cramping—at one point seen drinking pickle juice and screaming in frustration—Tomljanovic remained clinical. She secured a double-break lead in the final set before sealing the match on her third match point.

Tomljanovic’s win ensures she joins Taliah Gibson, Storm Hunter, and Priscilla Hon in the second round. This marks the largest contingent of Australian women in the second round of their home Grand Slam since 1992.

On the men’s side, the Australian charge continues with Alex de Minaur, Jordan Thompson, and Rinky Hijikata all advancing.