Bencic delivers statement Australian Open performance to outclass Boulter

January 20, 2026

TL;DR

Katie Boulter lost to Belinda Bencic 6-0, 7-5 in the first round of the Australian Open.
Bencic, the 10th seed, displayed a strong performance, marking her best career start to a season.
Boulter aims to use the second set as a positive indicator and sees her lower ranking as a challenge to play more matches.
Naomi Osaka survived a scare, defeating Antonia Ruzic 6-3, 3-6, 6-4.
Elena Rybakina, the fifth seed, advanced with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Kaja Juvan.
Sonay Kartal was defeated by 31st seed Anna Kalinskaya.

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