Kasatkina's Frustration Highlights Day of Dramatic Australian Open Results
Daria Kasatkina expressed deep frustration after her unexpected exit from the Australian Open, attributing her defeat to "small details which I'm missing" in a match that saw her fall to world number 126 Nikola Bartunkova of the Czech Republic. The contest ended with a scoreline of 7-6 (7), 0-6, 6-3, marking a significant upset in the women's draw.
Mixed Fortunes for Australian Players on a Windy Melbourne Day
Melbourne's notorious unpredictable wind played a role in a day of contrasting outcomes for local tennis fans. While Kasatkina and Kimberly Birrell suffered torturous late-night losses, the broader picture for Australian women's tennis brightened considerably. By Wednesday morning, six Australian women had secured spots in the second round, the highest number at a Grand Slam since eight advanced at Melbourne Park in 1992.
The last to clinch her berth was qualifier Maddison Inglis, who emerged victorious in an emotionally charged all-Australian clash against compatriot Kimberly Birrell. The marathon match concluded with a score of 7-6 (6), 6-7 (9), 6-4, lasting over three hours and finishing after midnight. Inglis broke down in tears at the end, overwhelmed by the intensity of competing against a close friend.
"The last few days have been a bit stressful," Inglis revealed. "I absolutely adore her [Birrell] so it was really hard to see her on the other side, but I'm stoked I could play through those feelings and be in the second round. It means the world."
Kasatkina's Self-Criticism and Physical Struggles
Kasatkina, a 28-year-old former Russian player who recently passed her Australian citizenship test, was left furious with her performance. She acknowledged failing to convert two set points in the first set and letting Bartunkova off the hook early in the decider. Her frustration boiled over at one point, as she smashed her racket into the Kia Arena surface.
Reflecting on the loss, Kasatkina pointed to a lack of match practice, having contested only four tour matches since October. She also cited the mental and physical toll of the day, mentioning that she took fluids to address cramp late in the match. "It's stress plus waiting around for about 12 hours," she explained. "You are in this state of mind which consumes a lot of energy."
Australian Men's Success and Monfils' Farewell
On the men's side, Australian players Dane Sweeny and James Duckworth boosted the local contingent to five in the second round. Duckworth secured a hard-fought five-set victory over Croatian lucky loser Dino Prizmic, while Sweeny delivered a standout performance in defeating French veteran Gaël Monfils.
Sweeny's 6-7 (3), 7-5, 6-4, 7-5 win over Monfils was particularly poignant, as it marked the 39-year-old Frenchman's final appearance at Melbourne Park. Monfils, who has announced that 2026 will be his last year on tour, received a standing ovation and a gift from tournament director Craig Tiley to commemorate his 20th Australian Open participation.
"For me, my journey starts in 2003 with you guys. I came here for the first time, now we are 2026 and somehow this is the finish line," Monfils told the crowd. He also praised Sweeny, saying, "This kid's got heart, so I really wish you good luck for the next one."
Sweeny, who has been likened to Lleyton Hewitt but has faced challenges on the tour, expressed disbelief at his achievement. "It's been my whole life since I can remember," he said of his perseverance in tennis. "I feel like I'm watching a show, it feels pretty unbelievable to be in this position." After the match, he wrote "This too shall pass" on a camera lens, explaining that it reflects the constant change in life, even during big moments.
Looking Ahead in the Tournament
With these results, the Australian Open continues to deliver thrilling narratives, from Kasatkina's reflective disappointment to Inglis's emotional triumph and Monfils' heartfelt farewell. Sweeny now prepares to face eighth seed Ben Shelton in the second round, adding another layer of anticipation to the tournament's unfolding drama.
