Did Elsa Jacquemot Shock Marta Kostyuk in the Opening Round?
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Synopsis
In an unforgettable opening day at the Australian Open 2026, Elsa Jacquemot stunned Marta Kostyuk in a marathon match that went to tiebreaks in every set. This historic encounter not only broke records but also showcased Jacquemot's resilience and skill on the court.
Key Takeaways
- Historic Match Duration: The match lasted three hours and 31 minutes, setting a new record.
- Tiebreaks Dominated: All sets were decided by tiebreaks, showcasing the intensity of the competition.
- Jacquemot's Breakthrough: This was her first victory against a top-20 player.
- Kostyuk's Resilience: Despite injury, Kostyuk showed great determination.
- Record Crowd: Day one attracted the largest audience in Grand Slam history.
Melbourne, Jan 18 (NationPress) The first day of the Australian Open 2026 has already made its mark in history, as Elsa Jacquemot triumphed over Marta Kostyuk in a grueling match that lasted three and a half hours at ANZ Arena. Remarkably, every set was decided by tiebreaks.
This marks the first time in a women's singles match at Melbourne Park that all sets have gone to tiebreaks since the introduction of final-set tiebreaks in 2019.
With a staggering duration of three hours and 31 minutes, it became the longest women’s singles match at the event since the format's inception, culminating in an astonishing scoreline of 6-7(4), 7-6(4), 7-6[10-7]. The previous record, set last year, lasted three hours and 20 minutes and involved a match between Emma Navarro and Peyton Stearns.
“It was a crazy match. Marta played so well, so I’m thrilled to come out on top. Winning wasn’t easy,” Jacquemot remarked to the press at Melbourne Park.
This victory is significant for Jacquemot, marking her first win against a top-20 player and her inaugural main-draw victory at the Australian Open.
The 22-year-old faced a match point in the second set and led 6-5 in the final set before Kostyuk appeared to twist her ankle badly, necessitating medical attention.
Kostyuk, currently ranked World No.20 and a finalist at the previous week’s Brisbane International, returned with noticeable ankle support, but her discomfort was evident.
Despite this, the Ukrainian managed to rally, winning a game and pushing the match into a deciding tiebreak, where she eventually lost 7-10 to Jacquemot.
“It’s never easy, especially at such a crucial moment. I tried to remain as composed as possible… I’m really pleased I maintained my focus. It’s challenging after playing for over three hours, especially since [Kostyuk] is a player who thrives on endurance,” Jacquemot explained, reflecting on the difficulty of sustaining concentration following the injury delay.
Looking ahead to her second-round clash with Yulia Putintseva, she stated, “I need to recover well because it was an incredibly lengthy match.”
The opening day of the main draw attracted a record crowd of 73,235 spectators, setting a new attendance record for day sessions at the Grand Slam, surpassing the previous record of 68,883 on mid-Saturday in 2019.
Point of View
I observe that this match not only highlights the tenacity of both players but also showcases the evolution of women's tennis. Jacquemot's victory against a formidable opponent like Kostyuk is a testament to her potential and the competitive spirit that defines the Australian Open.
NationPress
21/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the duration of the match between Jacquemot and Kostyuk?
The match lasted for an impressive three hours and 31 minutes.
How did the match end?
Elsa Jacquemot won the match with a final score of 6-7(4), 7-6(4), 7-6[10-7].
What record did this match set?
It became the longest women's singles match at the Australian Open since the introduction of final-set tiebreaks in 2019.
What is Elsa Jacquemot's significance in this victory?
This match marked Jacquemot's first win against a top-20 player and her first main-draw victory at the Australian Open.
What challenges did Marta Kostyuk face during the match?
Kostyuk suffered a severe ankle injury during the match but continued to play with support.
