Belinda Bencic is making waves at the Australian Open 2026, showcasing a blend of impressive form and renewed confidence. The Swiss star, currently ranked No. 10 in the world, has extended her unbeaten streak to six matches in 2026, with a dominant first-round victory over Katie Boulter. This win ties her career-best winning streak at 12 consecutive matches.

Bencic's match against Boulter was a tale of two sets, with Bencic showcasing her dominance early on. She stormed through the first set in just 26 minutes, allowing Boulter a mere 10 points and no game points. Boulter, ranked No. 113, found her footing in the second set, holding her serve in the opening three games. Bencic secured a break in the seventh game with a well-executed counter-drop shot, but Boulter responded, breaking back immediately. Undeterred, Bencic regained control, winning the last three games to secure the match 6-0, 7-5.

Her strong performance at the United Cup, where she won all five of her singles matches, including victories over world No. 2 Iga Swiatek and No. 7 Jasmine Paolini, has boosted Bencic's confidence. This performance earned her the Most Valuable Player award and propelled her back into the top 10 for the first time since April 2024, following her maternity leave. "It helped so much to start the season well," Bencic said. "I feel so comfortable here in Australia. The energy is great". Referencing her experience at the United Cup, she added, "I'm really trying to play the Australian Open for Team Switzerland".

Bencic's journey back to the top has been remarkable. Ranked 421st at the start of 2025, her performance at last year's Australian Open, where she reached the last 16, convinced her of her ability to compete at the highest level once again. Titles in Abu Dhabi and Tokyo further solidified her return to the upper echelons of tennis.

Bencic now faces Czech teenager Nikola Bartunkova in the second round, who upset Daria Kasatkina in her Grand Slam debut. Looking ahead, Bencic sees herself as a serious contender for the Australian Open title. "Yeah, I'm always serious about the Australian Open (smiling). Of course, it's been a huge confidence boost," she stated at the United Cup.

Other notable players progressing to the second round include Jelena Ostapenko and Karolina Pliskova. Pliskova, playing her first tournament since September after undergoing ankle surgeries, secured her first Grand Slam win since the 2024 US Open. Naomi Osaka also advanced, overcoming a scare against Antonia Ruzic.