Belinda Bencic extended her perfect start to the 2026 season after seeing off Katie Boulter 6-0 7-5 to progress into the Australian Open second round.
The Swiss, who impressively 5-0 at the United Cup, absolutely dominated the first set against Boulter as the No. 10 seed didn't allow the Briton a single game or break point during the opener.
After standing zero chance in the first set, Boulter stabilized at the start of the second set and served out her opening three service games.
In the seventh game, Bencic managed to make a breakthrough and take Boulter's serve. Down by a set and a break, the world No. 113 refused to quit – she earned her first break points – and managed to get the break back and tie the set to four games apiece. However, the Swiss remained unfazed as she claimed another break break in the 11th game for a 6-5 lead before serving out for the match in the following game.
In the Australian Open second round, Bencic plays against the winner of the match between Daria Kasatkina and Nikola Bartunkova.
Bencic sees herself as a serious Australian Open contender'
After winning five matches at the United Cup – including wins over Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek – the Swiss stated that she felt she would be a serious contender for the main glory at Melbourne Park.
"Yeah, I'm always serious about the Australian Open (smiling). Of course, it's been a huge confidence boost. Playing some good matches here now, I have some days to rest and prepare the new conditions," the world No. 10 said at the United Cup.
"We have a little bit more time to go there. Just super excited to play the first Slam. I'm always just very focused on the first round. It's going to be a new tournament. Yeah, just new focus for Australian Open."
Bencic has never made it past the round-of-16 in Melbourne, but that could easily change this year.
