Elena Rybakina defeated Varvara Gracheva 7–5, 6–2 in the first round of the Australian Open on hard court on 22 January 2026, confirming her status as the overwhelming pre-match favourite with odds of 1.03. Gracheva, a significant underdog at 11.46, offered limited resistance as Rybakina controlled the match across both sets, taking the opener in a competitive first set before dominating the second to seal a straightforward progression. The victory underscores Rybakina's current form heading deeper into the tournament.