Jessica Pegula defeated Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6–2, 7–6 in the first round of the Australian Open on hard court, confirming her status as the heavy pre-match favourite at odds of 1.15. Pegula dominated the opening set, breaking serve decisively to claim it 6–2, though Sasnovich mounted a stronger challenge in the second, forcing a tie-break where Pegula ultimately prevailed 7–6. The result underscored Pegula's early-tournament form and positioning as a seeded contender in Melbourne.