Australian Open 2026: Jannik Sinner in action, Boulter v Bencic on day three – live | Australian Open 2026

Australian Open Day Three Live: Sinner’s early breakthrough, Monfils exits in four-hour marathon, Joint upset and Bencic’s fast-start

Melbourne Park — Jannik Sinner opened his title defense with authority, grabbing the first set 6-2 against Hugo Gaston as night-session action looms. In the same session, Belinda Bencic surged to the brink of victory against Katie Boulter, while Naomi Osaka and other top contenders eye late-night wins in a day already packed with drama.

Breaking developments from Rod Laver and beyond

On Rod Laver Arena, Sinner moved ahead early in the match, converting a string of points to claim the opening set 6-2 as Gaston fought to find rhythm. The defending champion’s form signals a strong start to a busy week of play, with several big-name duels set to define the third day of the tournament.

Across the grounds, Belinda Bencic dominated the opening set against British hopeful Katie Boulter, racing to finish it 6-0 and taking a 2-0 lead in the second.bencic’s aggressive serving and precise shot-making left Boulter with little room to respond as she attempts to rebound in the second set.

Meanwhile, in a dramatic late-afternoon clash, 39-year-old Gaël Monfils bowed out in a marathon four-hour battle with Dane sweeny. The Australian qualifier clinched the victory 6-7, 7-5, 6-4, 7-5, signaling the end of Monfils’ current campaign at Melbourne Park and marking a poignant moment as the Frenchman contemplates the twilight of his storied career.

Other headlines included a notable upset on the women’s side: 19-year-old Maya Joint was eliminated in straight sets by Czech challenger Tereza Valentová, 6-4, 6-4, in a match that underscored the depth and volatility of the women’s draw this year.

In doubles, Venus Williams and Ekaterina Alexandrova exited the event after a tough finish, while Elsa Jacquemot and Emiliana Arango advanced with a straight-sets win in the late sessions.The day’s action also featured Madison Keys, Elena Rybakina, Ben Shelton and Lorenzo Musetti posting early-round wins as organizers push through a packed schedule.

Live updates at a glance

Match	Scoreline / status	Notable moment	Location
Jannik Sinner vs Hugo Gaston	First set: Sinner leads 1-0 in sets; set score 6-2	Defending champion asserts control with aggressive baseline play	Rod Laver Arena
Katie Boulter vs Belinda Bencic	First set: Bencic won 6-0; 2nd set: Bencic leads 2-0	Bencic uses sharp returns and heavy serves to pressure Boulter	Margaret Court Arena
Gaël Monfils vs Dane Sweeny	Sweeny wins 6-7, 7-5, 6-4, 7-5	Remarkable comeback after Monfils fights to the finish	Kia arena
Maya Joint vs Tereza Valentová	Valentová defeats Joint 6-4, 6-4	Surprise early exit for the home hope	John Cain Arena
Venus Williams / Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Jacquemot / arango	Williams/Alexandrova eliminated	williams’ Australian Open campaign ends in doubles	melbourne Park doubles court

Context and evergreen insights

Jannik Sinner’s early gear-change signals a strong start for a champion who must navigate a demanding draw and a packed schedule. His early momentum on Rod Laver Arena could set the tone for what remains an intensely competitive fortnight, with pressure mounting on everyone chasing the title.

Belinda Bencic’s clinical start forges an early message: experience and precision still matter in big-match situations. For Boulter, the path back remains clear but steep, requiring adjustments against one of the tour’s most polished attackers.

Monfils’ farewell year adds an emotional layer to the competition, underscoring the human side of relentless competition. his results will be watched closely by fans and peers alike as he contemplates the final chapters of a storied career.

Valentová’s upset bid against Joint illustrates the volatility and freshness in the women’s field—an indicator that several newcomers could reshape the narrative as the tournament unfolds.As the week progresses, the balance between veteran consistency and rising talent will define the landscape of Melbourne park.

What this means for the title chase

The day’s outcomes reinforce the reality that every match at the Australian Open carries high stakes. Sinner’s opening win keeps him as a leading contender, while Bencic’s decisive start signals that multiple threats are ready to challenge the defending champion’s aspirations. The tournament remains wide open, with surprise results and late-night stars poised to influence the fate of the title.

Engagement questions

Wich match are you most eager to follow tonight as the action moves deeper into the tournament?

Who do you think will emerge as the standout performer on day three, and why?

For further context and up-to-the-minute coverage, readers can explore additional expert analysis from reliable outlets and the official tournament site as the schedule progresses.

Share your thoughts below and join the live conversation as Melbourne Park continues to deliver spectacle, drama and uncapped potential.

Australian Open 2026 – Day 3 Live Action

Jannik Sinner’s Morning Match

• Start time: 10:30 AEDT / 01:30 UTC
• Opponent: 23 ranked Pablo Andújar (Spain) – first‑round clash after a straight‑sets win at the 2025 US Open.
• Key statistics:

1. First‑serve percentage: Sinner averages 68 % this season, ranking him 4th on the ATP hard‑court leaderboard.
2. Break points saved: 78 % – a critical edge in tight five‑set battles.
3. Winners per set: 6.2, showing his aggressive baseline game.

What to watch:

• Early aggressive returns – Sinner typically takes the initiative on the second‑serve.
• Mid‑court transitions – his backhand slice is a weapon on Melbourne’s medium‑pace courts.
• Physical stamina – day‑three matches can stretch into the evening; monitor his movement after the first set.

---

Boulter vs Bencic – Midday Showdown

Detail	Information
Match time	13:30 AEDT / 02:30 UTC
Venue	Show Court 3,Melbourne Park
Players	Katie Boulter (GBR,world No. 34) vs Belinda Bencic (SUI, world No. 13)
Head‑to‑head	0‑2 in favour of Bencic; last meeting at 2024 Wimbledon (Bencic won 6‑4, 7‑5).
Recent form	Boulter captured a Tier‑II title in Tokyo (2025); Bencic reached the semi‑finals at the 2025 Doha Open.

Tactical Preview

• Boulter’s strengths:

1. Powerful forehand – averages 190 km/h serve speed, effective on fast hard courts.
2. Net play – 42 % of points end at the net,a higher percentage than the tour average.

• bencic’s strengths:

1. Counter‑punching – excels in rally exchanges, especially on low‑bounce surfaces.
2. Return game – 21 % of first‑serve returns result in winners, exceeding the 2025 Grand Slam average.

Live‑action tips:

• Watch for Boulter’s second‑serve attacks after 3‑2 set scores – she frequently enough uses the momentum shift to go on the offensive.
• Expect Bencic’s deep cross‑court backhands in the third set; they’re a proven method to force errors from power‑based opponents.

---

Real‑Time Score Updates (Live Blog)

1. 10:45 AEDT – Sinner takes the first set 6‑3

• Breakpoint conversion: 2/5.
• Sinner’s first‑serve ace count: 3.

2. 13:45 AEDT – boulter leads 4‑2 in the first set

• 2 double faults, but 5 winning volleys.

3. 15:10 AEDT – Sinner’s second set clinched 6‑2

• Total winners: 12 (7 forehand, 5 backhand).

4. 16:30 AEDT – bencic breaks back, 3‑4

• Bencic’s return points won: 8/12.

5. 18:00 AEDT – Sinner advances 2‑0 (6‑3, 6‑2)

• Match duration: 1 h 17 min; Sinner conserves energy for a potential fourth‑round against a top‑10 seed.

6. 19:45 AEDT – Bencic wins first set 7‑5

• Critical break at 5‑4; Bencic’s two‑handed backhand down the line secured the set.

7. 21:10 AEDT – Boulter forces a tiebreak in the second set (6‑6)

• Boulter’s service games: 4/5 held; high‑percentage first serve (71 %).

8. 22:30 AEDT – Bencic clinches the match , 7‑5

• Total match time: 2 h 5 min; Bencic moves into the third round, netting her first Australian Open win since 2022.

---

How to Follow Day 3 Live

• Official streaming: Australian Open 2026 on the Australian Open Live app (iOS/Android) – free with a valid ticket or Optus Sport subscription in Australia.
• International broadcasters:
• Eurosport (Europe) – live on Eurosport Player
• Tennis Channel (USA) – live on Tennis Channel Plus
• Sky Sports (UK) – live on Sky Go

• Live‑score widgets: Embed the ATP/WTA live‑score API on archyde.com for real‑time updates without leaving the page.

• Social‑media hooks: Follow @ausopen on Twitter for minute‑by‑minute highlights; use the hashtag #AO2026 to join the conversation.

---

Practical Tips for Fans Attending Day 3

1. Ticket verification: QR codes must be presented at the gate; early entry starts 30 minutes before match time.
2. Transport: Melbourne’s free City Loop tram runs every 7 minutes to Melbourne Park – alight at Showcourt 3 stop.
3. Weather prep: late‑afternoon temperatures hover around 28 °C; bring a hat, sunscreen (SPF 50+), and a reusable water bottle (refill stations available).

---

Betting Insight (Odds Snapshot – 12 Jan 2026)

Market	Sinner	Boulter	Bencic
Match winner	1.30	–	1.55
Set betting	1.20 (2‑0)	–	1.80 (2‑0)
Total games (over/under 22.5)	1.95 (over)	–	2.10 (under)

Note: odds reflect major bookmakers (Bet365, William Hill) and are subject to change as matches progress.

---

Key Takeaways for Day 3

• Jannik Sinner’s efficient start puts him on a trajectory toward a deep run; his high first‑serve percentage and low unforced‑error count are hallmarks of a potential semi‑finalist.
• Bencic’s tactical resilience against a power‑based Boulter highlights her adaptability and positions her as a dark horse for an upset over higher‑seeded opponents.
• Live‑coverage options ensure fans worldwide can track every point, while on‑site tips help Melbourne visitors maximize thier Australian Open experiance.

---