{"id":18284,"date":"2026-01-26T10:17:59","date_gmt":"2026-01-26T10:17:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jubi24.com\/?p=18284"},"modified":"2026-01-26T10:18:02","modified_gmt":"2026-01-26T10:18:02","slug":"australian-open-2026-shelton-v-ruud-swiatek-swats-aside-inglis-sinner-defeats-darderi-live-australian-open-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jubi24.com\/?p=18284","title":{"rendered":"Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live | Australian Open 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"liveblog-body\"><span class=\"dcr-90inr0\"><span id=\"key-events-carousel-mobile\" \/><span class=\"dcr-90inr0\">Key events<\/p>\n<p><\/span><span id=\"filter-toggle-mobile\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"dcr-alru3r\"><label id=\"filter-toggle-mobile-switch_description\" data-component=\"filter-key-events\" data-link-name=\"filter-key-events-on\" class=\"dcr-rrspei\"><button id=\"filter-toggle-mobile-switch\" role=\"switch\" aria-labelledby=\"filter-toggle-mobile-switch_description\" class=\"dcr-dh5oqp\" \/>Show key events only<span>Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/label><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"block-69773edb8f089b46e3ce23b5\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Ruud consolidates comfortably for 4-1 and, so far, he\u2019s maintaining the form of the previous rounds.<\/strong> This is some of the best tennis I\u2019ve seen him play on a hard court \u2013 he\u2019s added pace to his forehand and is doing a good job of getting it into the match.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-69773edb8f089b46e3ce23b5#block-69773edb8f089b46e3ce23b5\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v\" \/>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\" \/>\n<article id=\"block-69773d928f08311ded61b6be\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Ruud holds to 15, and these two look really well matched, both of them whacking the cover off it.<\/strong> The Norwegian is working his forehand into the match and, at 15-30, he finds an amazing angle to lash a winner which breaks the sideline, raising two break points. Shelton, though, responds with a big second serve and an inside-out forehand winner; in comms, Henman notes that he tends to open up when behind, when really he should play like that all the time. Problem being he then serves a double, and Ruud leads 3-1 in the first.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-69773d928f08311ded61b6be#block-69773d928f08311ded61b6be\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-69773b358f089b46e3ce237a\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Shelton\u2019s vest somehow looks itchy, like it\u2019s a woollen tank top. <\/strong>But he seems comfy out there, though a long forehands gives Ruud a sniff at 40-30 \u2026 and a double takes us to deuce. We then learn that he\u2019s only beaten one top-20 player on a har court at a major \u2013 Mario Berrettini \u2013 which isn\u2019t that surprising, as he doesn\u2019t quite have the weapons. A point emphasised when a second-serve ace gives Shelton advantage, after which he closes out the hold for 1-1 in the first.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"b8845483-8cc1-45c7-932e-febfdaaedfce\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><\/span> Photograph: Edgar Su\/Reuters<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-69773b358f089b46e3ce237a#block-69773b358f089b46e3ce237a\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-69773a678f089b46e3ce236e\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Big hitting followed by a deft drop earns Shelton a second break point in game one,<\/strong> but he misses with a forehand down the line, having opened up the space and connected nicely. Ruud, though, responds well, securing the hold, and he\u2019s hitting it harder these days \u2013 a necessary improvement given the game\u2019s direction of travel.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-69773a678f089b46e3ce236e#block-69773a678f089b46e3ce236e\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\" \/>\n<article id=\"block-6977396f8f08391479490e8d\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>I said earlier that the top six seeds are into the last eight of the women\u2019s competition; <\/strong>well, that\u2019s also the case in the men\u2019s. We\u2019ve never had that happen in the open era, and it does feel like the best players are now pretty well established \u2013 though the talent pool is deeper than ever before.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6977396f8f08391479490e8d#block-6977396f8f08391479490e8d\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-697738be8f08311ded61b67f\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>I watched Ruud in round one and he was superb against a difficult opponent.<\/strong> I didn\u2019t catch his matches with Munar and Cilic, but dispatching those for the loss of just one set is impressive. Anyway, off we go\u2026<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-697738be8f08311ded61b67f#block-697738be8f08311ded61b67f\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v\" \/>\n<article id=\"block-697738138f08311ded61b67d\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>So how will this match go? <\/strong>Shelton has the bigger game and is really good on the big occasion; if it\u2019s firing, his forehand will decide this match, but if it\u2019s off, Ruud\u2019s consistency in the longer rallies will make the difference.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-697738138f08311ded61b67d#block-697738138f08311ded61b67d\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-697736ea8f08391479490e7d\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Shelton and Ruud<\/strong> are making their way on to Laver.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-697736ea8f08391479490e7d#block-697736ea8f08391479490e7d\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-697735f18f089b46e3ce2350\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Next on Laver: <\/strong>Ben Shelton (8) v Casper Ruud (12).<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-697735f18f089b46e3ce2350#block-697735f18f089b46e3ce2350\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-697735628f08391479490e77\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Now on to Iga, she says she felt confident from the beginning.<\/strong> The pace of the ball was different ot he last round so she had to adjust the position of her legs.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Otherwise, she doesn\u2019t know what she\u2019ll do tomorrow but knows it\u2019s going to be 42 degrees \u2013 Jelena Dokic corrects her, it\u2019s 44 \u2013 and that\u2019s pretty much it. I\u2019m not sure why we didn\u2019t get a proper interview, perhaps they want the next match on as soon as possible.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-697735628f08391479490e77#block-697735628f08391479490e77\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\" \/>\n<article id=\"block-6977347d8f08311ded61b675\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Sinner says he and Darderi are good friends off the court, which adds an extra layer to things.<\/strong> He missed his chances to break in set three, then got \u201cvery very tight\u201d, so he\u2019s happy to close the match in three.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Told he\u2019s just broken his own record, set last week, for aces in a match, and asked if that\u2019s work in the off-season, he laughs that he wishes it was as easy as that. They did change the motion and it\u2019s a bit more stable, but there\u2019s other stuff to get better at, principally coming to the net and being more unpredictable \u2013 or even less predictable. Today that went well.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">He knows Ruud and Shelton well, but they\u2019ve worked a lot and everyone is improving. He\u2019ll check some of the match, but the main thing is to recover and he\u2019s very happy to be in the last eight again.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6977347d8f08311ded61b675#block-6977347d8f08311ded61b675\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-697733de8f08311ded61b672\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">Iga Swiatek (2) beats Maddison Inglis 6-0 6-3<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">A fine performance means the career slam is still on, but Rybakina, who Swiatek meets next, will have some thoughts as regards that situation.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"544e50be-bde3-413c-906a-2e63baeb8bb9\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">Iga Swiatek shakes hands at the net with Maddison Inglis after winning her fourth round match.<\/span> Photograph: Jaimi Joy\/Reuters<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-697733de8f08311ded61b672#block-697733de8f08311ded61b672\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a0<time datetime=\"2026-01-26T09:39:12.000Z\" data-locale=\"en-us\" title=\"Monday, January 26, 2026 at 04:39 AM Eastern Standard Time\">04.39 EST<\/time><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v\" \/>\n<article id=\"block-6977336c8f08311ded61b666\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>We\u2019ll do his interview shortly; first, let\u2019s focus on Swiatek, serving for the match against Inglis at 6-0 5-3.<\/strong> If she sees it out, it\u2019ll be the first time since 1998 that the top six seeds have reached the last eight of a women\u2019s slam. That echoes what we\u2019ve been discussing since the summer: after some iffy years when all sorts were winning all sorts, the level and depth at the top of the game now is obscene.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6977336c8f08311ded61b666#block-6977336c8f08311ded61b666\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\" \/>\n<article id=\"block-697732bc8f08311ded61b65d\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">Jannik Sinner (2) beats Luciano Darderi 6-1 6-3 7-6(2)<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Brilliant from Sinner, who\u2019ll be the better for the contest, but is he struggling for fitness? He\u2019s not playing tomorrow, when it\u2019ll be even hotter, but that\u2019s one to keep an eye on. Next for him, Shelton or Ruud.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"e5ba8cef-6344-4d44-ad8c-5cffd4362213\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">Routine stuff from Jannik Sinner as he progresses in straight sets.<\/span> Photograph: Tingshu Wang\/Reuters<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-697732bc8f08311ded61b65d#block-697732bc8f08311ded61b65d\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a0<time datetime=\"2026-01-26T09:29:31.000Z\" data-locale=\"en-us\" title=\"Monday, January 26, 2026 at 04:29 AM Eastern Standard Time\">04.29 EST<\/time><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-6977328e8f08391479490e60\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Seconds later, it\u2019s 6-2, meaning Sinner has four match points,<\/strong> and this is big dog behaviour par excellence.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6977328e8f08391479490e60#block-6977328e8f08391479490e60\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-697732508f08391479490e5f\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Swiatek holds through deuce for 6-0 5-2, moving a game away,<\/strong> while three points in a row for Sinner, upping his level because he\u2019s been asked to, means he\u2019s suddenly in command of the breaker at 4-2.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-697732508f08391479490e5f#block-697732508f08391479490e5f\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a0<time datetime=\"2026-01-26T09:23:34.000Z\" data-locale=\"en-us\" title=\"Monday, January 26, 2026 at 04:23 AM Eastern Standard Time\">04.23 EST<\/time><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-697731328f089b46e3ce2322\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Up 2-0, Darderi tosses and a baby cries, then again; can he keep focus?<\/strong> He can, but Sinner does really well to keep in a long rally, eventually finishing it with an overhead. We\u2019re back on serve at 2-1, but this is a different match now \u2026 so of course, as soon as I say that, the champ annihilates his first ace in three games for 2-2.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-697731328f089b46e3ce2322#block-697731328f089b46e3ce2322\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-697731068f08311ded61b652\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>A love hold and Darderi has his breaker,<\/strong> an immediate mini-break making things interesting.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-697731068f08311ded61b652#block-697731068f08311ded61b652\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\" \/>\n<article id=\"block-6977301d8f08391479490e56\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>I\u2019m starting to think about the next round now.<\/strong> Swiatek is seeking a career grand slam, and it\u2019s possible the pressure, along with her intensity, gets to her when facing Rybakina\u2019s freewheeling thwacking. Forehand to forehand will be key to that match, I think, and I fancy the Kazakh, who ended last year in terrific form and has carried it on this. Back on court, though, Swiatek leads 6-0 4-2.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6977301d8f08391479490e56#block-6977301d8f08391479490e56\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v\" \/>\n<article id=\"block-69772f9f8f08391479490e52\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Swiatek breaks Inglis for 3-1, holds for 4-1, and she\u2019s nearly home;<\/strong> Sinner holds too, leading 2-0 6-5 and Darderi must once again serve to stay in the match. So let\u2019s hope he does, because this set deserves a breaker.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-69772f9f8f08391479490e52#block-69772f9f8f08391479490e52\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-69772ecb8f08311ded61b643\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Hold tight Luciano Darderi!<\/strong> More excellent serving secures the hold, and he trails 2-0 5-5. Sinner doesn\u2019t look that fresh, perhaps still affected by his cramps of the previous round; he\u2019ll be desperate to get this done in three.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-69772ecb8f08311ded61b643#block-69772ecb8f08311ded61b643\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-69772e678f08311ded61b63e\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>\u2026which Darderi saves,<\/strong> but a double means he now faces another \u2026 saved with a big serve and clean-up forehand. Well played, old mate, well played.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-69772e678f08311ded61b63e#block-69772e678f08311ded61b63e\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-69772dc08f08311ded61b635\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Serving to stay in the match, Darderi is forced to deuce while Swiatek holds comfortably;<\/strong> she\u2019s even making her second serve work for her, while doing a decent job of hiding her forehand, her other weakness \u2013 relatively speaking. Oh, and a fantastic backhand return from Sinner, deep on to the baseline, takes him to match point\u2026<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-69772dc08f08311ded61b635#block-69772dc08f08311ded61b635\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\" \/>\n<article id=\"block-69772cd78f08311ded61b62e\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Back on Laver,<\/strong> Inglis has a point for 0-6 2-0, but is broken back for 1-1 and Swiatek, having had her chin checked, is back looking good, nailing a forehand winner at the start of the next game.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-69772cd78f08311ded61b62e#block-69772cd78f08311ded61b62e\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-69772be48f08391479490e35\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Darderi makes advantage as suddenly, Sinner looks fatigued.<\/strong> And when he picks the next serve, he has a chance, but thwacks a return long; no matter. He\u2019s starting to win the longer rallies, gets to advantage again, and though he\u2019s again hauled back, the hold eventually secured, this is a contest, at least for now. Sinner leads 6-1 6-3 5-4, and it\u2019d be just like him to break for the match when they return after change of ends.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-69772be48f08391479490e35#block-69772be48f08391479490e35\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-69772b158f089b46e3ce22fc\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Darderi and Inglis force two break points each at the same time and Inglis is millimetres away from converting her first, straying long, before stepping to receive a second serve.<\/strong> And when Swiatek nets, she\u2019s raising her arms to salute the crowd, no longer in fear of a double bagel at 0-6 1-0; Sinner, meanwhile, fights back to deuce.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"d66b405f-4d72-4e4b-804f-afab22a4bd33\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">Maddison Inglis breaks Iga Swiatek!<\/span> Photograph: Martin Keep\/AFP\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-69772b158f089b46e3ce22fc#block-69772b158f089b46e3ce22fc\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a0<time datetime=\"2026-01-26T09:01:23.000Z\" data-locale=\"en-us\" title=\"Monday, January 26, 2026 at 04:01 AM Eastern Standard Time\">04.01 EST<\/time><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v\" \/>\n<article id=\"block-69772aba8f08391479490e2e\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>I\u2019m really excited to see how Jovic goes against Sabalenka and what Tien does with Zverev \u2013<\/strong> we\u2019re going to be seeing a lot of those guys over the next decade or so, but will they be week two staples or serious contenders? Tomorrow might offer a clue.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-69772aba8f08391479490e2e#block-69772aba8f08391479490e2e\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\" \/>\n<article id=\"block-69772a668f08391479490e29\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>On which point,<\/strong> get a load of tomorrow!<\/p>\n<figure id=\"c1ff9b7b-f213-464a-9623-ce1d93b4221f\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><\/span> Photograph: Aussie Open<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-69772a668f08391479490e29#block-69772a668f08391479490e29\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-69772a068f08311ded61b628\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Swiatek hammers a backhand return, confirming a bagel first set.<\/strong> Inglis is doing her best and taking various games, including that last one, to deuce, but there\u2019s not much she can do about this. We can start looking forward to Swiatek v Rybakina on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-69772a068f08311ded61b628#block-69772a068f08311ded61b628\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-697729968f08391479490e21\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>And now Sinner silently holds to love,<\/strong> Darderi having to fight for everything he\u2019s getting \u2013 or mainly not getting \u2013 while for the champ, it\u2019s all coming naturally. He leads 2-0 4-3.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-697729968f08391479490e21#block-697729968f08391479490e21\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-697729068f08391479490e1e\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Swiatek is playing nicely, it must be said, and it\u2019s soon 5-0 while,<\/strong> on Court, Darderi is sort of enjoying himself now, a succession of big forehands helping him hold for 0-2 3-3 amid a lot of noise.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-697729068f08391479490e1e#block-697729068f08391479490e1e\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-6977278e8f08391479490e18\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>A fine backhand to the corner has the home crowd ahhing,<\/strong> but Swiatek retrieves well if a little floatily, Inglis hammers into the net, and at 4-0, that\u2019s the double break. I\u2019m afraid this isn\u2019t close nor is it showing signs of becoming so.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"4895b5d2-ac98-4e1a-b411-ba4b1e3f3f31\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">Iga Swiatek is in complete control in this opening set.<\/span> Photograph: James Ross\/AAP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6977278e8f08391479490e18#block-6977278e8f08391479490e18\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a0<time datetime=\"2026-01-26T08:42:14.000Z\" data-locale=\"en-us\" title=\"Monday, January 26, 2026 at 03:42 AM Eastern Standard Time\">03.42 EST<\/time><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v\" \/>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-jko40v\" \/>\n<article id=\"block-697726838f08391479490e0f\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Down break point at 0-2 1-2, Darderi locates an ace, but he must soon handle another, Sinner dashing in to put away a volley having cracked a forehand to the corner.<\/strong> But a netted return restores deuce and from there he closes out the game before celebrating by petulantly throwing down a towel next to his coach. Meantime, Swiatek is doing all she can to prevent Inglis getting on the board, an overhead dispatched with prejudice saving game point at 3-0.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-697726838f08391479490e0f#block-697726838f08391479490e0f\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-697725518f089b46e3ce22d0\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Swiatek breaks Inglis immediately for 2-0 and though,<\/strong> as she seeks to consolidate, she\u2019s taken to deuce, she eventually prevails. She can play a lot better than this \u2013 and if she wins, against Rybakina, she\u2019ll have to.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-697725518f089b46e3ce22d0#block-697725518f089b46e3ce22d0\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-6977245a8f089b46e3ce22ce\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Otherwise, Musetti, now firmly established at the top of the game, whacked Fritz while, in the men\u2019s doubles, the champs are out, <\/strong>Henry Patten and Harri Heloivaara beaten by Patrik Rikl and Petr Nouza 6 and 6, spurning five break points without facing any. Regular reader will know Patten is coached by Calvin Betton, a great friend of the blog who\u2019s been furnishing us with pro angles and insights for years now; well, Luke Johnson, Calv\u2019s other charge, is still in, with his partner Jan Zielinski, and they\u2019re looking very good.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6977245a8f089b46e3ce22ce#block-6977245a8f089b46e3ce22ce\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-69771fc18f089b46e3ce22b3\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>To recap what went down overnight,<\/strong> <strong>the champ is out of the women\u2019s competition,<\/strong> Our Maddy losing in straights to her good mate, Jess Pegula, who\u2019ll now meet Amanda Anisimova in an enticing quarter-final \u2013 the others are tasty too, Gauff meeting Svitolina, Sabalenka facing the surging Jovic and Rybakina the winner of Swiatek v Inglis.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"66ced714-f955-4e99-a01d-5b57ebbb5271\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-69771fc18f089b46e3ce22b3#block-69771fc18f089b46e3ce22b3\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a0<time datetime=\"2026-01-26T08:24:20.000Z\" data-locale=\"en-us\" title=\"Monday, January 26, 2026 at 03:24 AM Eastern Standard Time\">03.24 EST<\/time><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-697723228f08311ded61b609\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>They\u2019re away now, Swiatek holding,<\/strong> while on Court, Sinner breaks again to lead a ticking Darderi 6-1 6-3.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-697723228f08311ded61b609#block-697723228f08311ded61b609\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a0<time datetime=\"2026-01-26T08:21:53.000Z\" data-locale=\"en-us\" title=\"Monday, January 26, 2026 at 03:21 AM Eastern Standard Time\">03.21 EST<\/time><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-697721ff8f089b46e3ce22be\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Inglis, passed over for a wildcard, saved a match point in the first round of qualifying,<\/strong> then played a decider in the last, and this is an amazing occasion for her: an Australia Day headline slot against a great in the making. Having struggled on tour for years, she now receives \u00a3243,000 \u2013 great stuff, though she did get lucky with Naomi Osaka\u2019s withdrawal. I can\u2019t say I wasn\u2019t looking forward to seeing her against Swiatek, but Inglis changing her life is a pleasant consolation.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-697721ff8f089b46e3ce22be#block-697721ff8f089b46e3ce22be\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-697721de8f08391479490df1\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>A quick, er,<\/strong> comfort break, and our players are out on Laver.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-697721de8f08391479490df1#block-697721de8f08391479490df1\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-jko40v\" \/>\n<article id=\"block-69771e4f8f08391479490dd9\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>At Wimbledon, Sinner looked like losing to Dimitrov, flummoxed by him at two sets down,<\/strong> then poor old Griggzy hurt his pec and had to quit; in the last round here, he was craping at 1-1 and a break down to Elliot Spizzirri, only for the officials to call a heat break which allowed him to recover. Which is to say that, like the best sportsfolk, he has a goldfish memory, able to accept and absorb fortune, ill or good, and move on remorselessly. He leads 6-1 3-1.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-69771e4f8f08391479490dd9#block-69771e4f8f08391479490dd9\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-69771d498f089b46e3ce22a1\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\" \/>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\"><strong>Sinner leads Darderi 6-1 1-1, though there was minor controversy earlier: <\/strong>yesterday, Carlos Alcaraz was ordered to take off a health tracker worn around his wrist, so today, the champ tried hiding it under his sweatband \u2013 to no avail. he too was told to get it off, but so far appears to be surviving. And as I type, Darderi misses a forehand to be broken, at 1-6 1-2 so leathers a ball into the crowd, receiving a code violation for his trouble, and also hammers his racket into the surface. That\u2019ll learn it.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"787cbd1b-2f88-41b0-b33f-4490053d0a02\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">If in doubt\u2026Luciano Darderi clears one into row Z.<\/span> Photograph: David Gray\/AFP\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-69771d498f089b46e3ce22a1#block-69771d498f089b46e3ce22a1\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a0<time datetime=\"2026-01-26T08:05:38.000Z\" data-locale=\"en-us\" title=\"Monday, January 26, 2026 at 03:05 AM Eastern Standard Time\">03.05 EST<\/time><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-6976fd908f08391479490d31\" class=\"block dcr-1os4bxs\">\n<header class=\"dcr-88va8u\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1wl2b6o\">Preamble<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">G\u2019day all and welcome to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/australian-open-2026\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" data-component=\"auto-linked-tag\">Australian Open 2026<\/a> \u2013 day nine!<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">We\u2019ve not, it\u2019s fair to say, been over-furnished with close matches so far in this tournament and, with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/jannik-sinner\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" data-component=\"auto-linked-tag\">Jannik Sinner<\/a> already all over Luciano Darderi, another looks likely to go by without giving us what we want.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">But we can hope and, starting on Laver shortly we have Maddison Inglis, an Australian qualifier, taking on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/iga-swiatek\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" data-component=\"auto-linked-tag\">Iga Swiatek<\/a>. The no 2 seed is, of course, a heavy favourite, but she\u2019s looked less than impregnable hitherto, struggling against Yue Yuan and losing a set to Anna Kalinskaya.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Then, following them on to court, a contest with the potential to consume a significant chunk of our working days, as Ben Shelton takes on Casper Ruud. This slot was meant to be filled by Novak Djokovic v Jakub Mensik, but the Czech found he could no longer battle a stomach injury \u2013 a shame for him, as he may not get another chance to meet his hero in such circumstances, and a shame for us because as a ruckus it had serious potential; what can you do?<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">So, though Shelton v Ruud was an ideal bonus match, if both players are at it \u2013 and they have been so far, the former yet to drop a set and latter very clean in binning Mattia Bellucci, Jaume Munar and Marin Cilic \u2013 we\u2019re in for a treat.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Let\u2019s go!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-3i7iba\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6976fd908f08391479490d31#block-6976fd908f08391479490d31\" class=\"dcr-1mulgdf\">Share<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a0<time datetime=\"2026-01-26T08:15:23.000Z\" data-locale=\"en-us\" title=\"Monday, January 26, 2026 at 03:15 AM Eastern Standard Time\">03.15 EST<\/time><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/jan\/26\/australian-open-2026-darderi-sinner-inglis-swiatek-shelton-ruud-live?page=with:block-69773a678f089b46e3ce236e\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key events Show key events onlyPlease turn on JavaScript to use this feature Ruud consolidates comfortably for 4-1 and, so far, he\u2019s maintaining the form of the previous rounds. This is some of the best tennis I\u2019ve seen him play on a hard court \u2013 he\u2019s added pace to his forehand and is doing a &#8230; <a title=\"Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live | Australian Open 2026\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jubi24.com\/?p=18284\" aria-label=\"Read more about Australian Open 2026: Shelton v Ruud; Swiatek swats aside Inglis, Sinner defeats Darderi \u2013 live | Australian Open 2026\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":18285,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18284","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.jubi24.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Australian-Open-2026-Shelton-v-Ruud-Swiatek-swats-aside-Inglis.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jubi24.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18284","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jubi24.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jubi24.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jubi24.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jubi24.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=18284"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.jubi24.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18284\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18286,"href":"https:\/\/www.jubi24.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18284\/revisions\/18286"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jubi24.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/18285"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jubi24.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=18284"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jubi24.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=18284"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jubi24.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=18284"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}