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Melbourne, January 21, 2026 — The scorching sun of the Australian summer has always been a crucible for tennis legends, but for Magda Linette, the courts of Melbourne Park hold a special kind of magic. In a tournament that has already delivered shockwaves, the 33-year-old Polish star is scripting a narrative of resilience, grit, and a spectacular return to form. After a challenging spell in the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Linette has arrived at the Australian Open 2026 with a point to prove, and if her opening performances are any indication, she is not just here to participate—she is here to fight.
From breaking a disheartening losing streak in singles to pulling off a miraculous comeback in doubles, Magda Linette has become one of the most compelling stories of the first week. Here is an in-depth look at her journey so far, her "heart-attack" victories, and what lies ahead.
Breaking the Curse: The Victory Over Emma Navarro
To understand the magnitude of Linette's current run, one must look at the context. Since her fairytale run to the semifinals in 2023, the Grand Slam stages have been unforgiving. Snippets from the tour confirm that she hadn't won a singles match at a major in the 2024 and 2025 seasons. That streak ended emphatically on Monday against the seeded American, Emma Navarro.
It was not a straightforward victory. The match was a rollercoaster that tested Linette’s physical and mental fortitude. After dropping the first set 3-6 and battling reported health issues mid-match, many feared the worst. However, Linette dug deep into her reserves. Displaying the tactical intelligence that has defined her career, she adjusted her game, finding angles that unsettled Navarro.
She swept the next two sets 6-3, 6-3, announcing her return to the winner's circle. This victory wasn't just about advancing to the second round; it was an exorcism of the ghosts of the past two years.
The Marathon Doubles: A Comeback for the Ages
While her singles victory was a relief, her doubles performance on Tuesday was nothing short of a thriller. Partnering with Japan’s veteran doubles specialist Shuko Aoyama, Magda Linette stepped onto the court against the pair of Alexandra Eala (Philippines) and Ingrid Martins (Brazil).
What ensued was a 158-minute war of attrition that had fans on the edge of their seats. The match title circulating in Polish media, "Powrót z 0-4" (Return from 0-4), hints at the dramatic nature of the contest. In the opening set, the Polish-Japanese duo found themselves in a deep hole, with reports suggesting they conceded four consecutive games to trail significantly.
The Turning Point
With their backs against the wall, Linette and Aoyama began a methodical claw-back. They saved set points, forcing a tie-break which they dominated 7-6(3). The second set saw a dip in energy as they lost 2-6, but the decider was a masterclass in momentum management.
Despite a mid-match medical timeout for the opposition, Linette and Aoyama raced to a 4-0 lead in the third set. Although Eala and Martins managed to close the gap, the experienced pair held their nerve to close out the match 6-3. This victory not only propelled them into the next round but also served as a perfect warm-up for Linette's upcoming singles battles, proving her fitness is holding up under extreme pressure.
Preview: Magda Linette vs. Ann Li
All eyes now turn to Court 6, where Magda Linette faces another American, Ann Li, in the second round of the singles draw.
The Matchup
Ann Li, currently ranked 38th, is a dangerous opponent known for her aggressive baseline game. She comes into this match fresh off a victory over Camila Osorio. The history between Linette and Li is evenly poised; Linette won their encounter on the grass of Manchester in 2019, while Li took the spoils in Cincinnati in 2023.
Keys to Victory
For Magda Linette, the key will be consistency. Li can be prone to unforced errors if pressured, and Linette’s counter-punching style is perfectly suited to exploit this. The Polish star will need to serve well, as she did in the closing stages of her doubles match, and use her backhand down the line to open up the court.
"Magda Linette walczy o awans!" (Magda Linette fights for advancement!) — Przegląd Sportowy Onet
The stakes are high. A win here would push Linette into the third round, potentially setting up a clash with the winner of the Muchova vs. Parks match, and significantly boosting her ranking points.
Polish Power in Melbourne
Linette is not the only Polish athlete making waves at the Australian Open 2026. The tournament has seen a strong showing from the "Biało-Czerwoni" (White and Reds).
Hubert Hurkacz: The thunderous server survived a tough three-set battle against Zizou Bergs, winning two tie-breaks to advance.
Magdalena Fręch: She faces a formidable challenge against the Italian dynamo Jasmine Paolini (ranked 7th).
Iga Świątek: The world number 2 remains the heavy favorite for the title, though all Polish eyes are currently fixed on the drama unfolding on the outer courts with Linette and Fręch.
Conversely, there was disappointment for Kamil Majchrzak, who was forced to withdraw, citing the brutal nature of the tour as a "survival test."
Why This Run Matters
At 33, critics often look for signs of decline in tennis players. Magda Linette is defying that narrative. Her 2023 semifinal run proved she has the ceiling of a top-tier player. Her 2026 resurgence proves she has the resilience of a champion.
This tournament is crucial for her ranking. Currently hovering around the top 50, a deep run here solidifies her direct entry into future Slams and WTA 1000 events. Moreover, it serves as an inspiration. In a sport often dominated by teenage prodigies, Linette’s seasoned, thoughtful approach to the game—and her ability to bounce back from a two-year slump—is a testament to the power of perseverance.
Conclusion
As Wednesday dawns in Melbourne, Magda Linette stands at a pivotal moment in her late career. She has already survived a health scare, a three-set singles battle, and a nearly three-hour doubles marathon. She is tired, surely, but she is also victorious.
Whether she defeats Ann Li or not, one thing is certain: Magda is back. The Australian Open 2026 has reignited the fire in the girl from Poznań, and the tennis world is better for it. We will be watching closely as she takes to Court 6, ready to write the next chapter of her remarkable comeback.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who is Magda Linette playing in the second round of the Australian Open 2026? A: Magda Linette is scheduled to play American tennis player Ann Li in the second round. The match is set for Court 6 at Melbourne Park.
Q: Did Magda Linette win her first-round match? A: Yes, she defeated the seeded American Emma Navarro in three sets (3-6, 6-3, 6-3), coming back from a set down to break a long losing streak at Grand Slams.
Q: Who is Magda Linette's doubles partner for AO 2026? A: She is partnering with Japan's Shuko Aoyama. They won their first-round match in a grueling 158-minute contest against Alexandra Eala and Ingrid Martins.
Q: What is the significance of the "0-4 comeback" mentioned in the news? A: During their first-round doubles match, Linette and Aoyama recovered from a significant deficit (reportedly 0-4 in the first set) to win the set in a tie-break and eventually the match.
Q: Has Magda Linette ever reached the semifinals of the Australian Open? A: Yes, her best Grand Slam performance was at the Australian Open in 2023, where she reached the semifinals before losing to eventual champion Aryna Sabalenka.
Q: Where can I watch Magda Linette's match? A: In Poland, matches are typically broadcast on Eurosport and available via streaming platforms associated with the tournament's rights holders. Live text updates are available on sites like Przegląd Sportowy Onet and Interia.
Q: How old is Magda Linette in 2026? A: Magda Linette is 33 years old during the 2026 Australian Open.
References
Przegląd Sportowy Onet. (2026, January 21). Magda Linette - Ann Li NA ŻYWO. Australian Open, relacja live. Retrieved from https://przegladsportowy.onet.pl/tenis/australian-open/magda-linette-ann-li-na-zywo-australian-open-relacja-live-polka-walczy-o-awans/mrhh9lq
Interia Sport. (2026, January 21). Linette już po kolejnym meczu w AO. Powrót z 0:4, triumf po 158 minutach w Melbourne. Retrieved from https://sport.interia.pl/tenis/australian-open/news-linette-juz-po-kolejnym-meczu-w-ao-powrot-z-0-4-triumf-po-15,nId,22541236
Eurosport Polska. (2026, January 21). Live Aryna Sabalenka - Bai Zhuoxuan. Retrieved from https://eurosport.tvn24.pl/tenis/australian-open/2026/live-aryna-sabalenka-bai-zhuoxuan_mtc1654465/live.shtml
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