Wang Xinyu Makes History with Maiden Australian Open Fourth Round Berth
MELBOURNE, 26 January 2026 – China’s Xinyu Wang has carved her name into the record books, advancing to the fourth round of the Australian Open for the first time in her career. The 24-year-old secured her place in the second week of the season’s opening Grand Slam with a straight-sets upset over 13th seed Linda Noskova on Saturday.
A Breakthrough Run in Melbourne
Wang’s historic campaign at Melbourne Park began with a dominant 6-3, 6-3 victory over Ukrainian qualifier Anhelina Kalinina, marking her first win at the tournament since 2023. She followed this with a gritty, come-from-behind performance to oust the 24th seed and former French Open champion, Jelena Ostapenko, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.
The Chinese star saved her most impressive display for the third round, where she defeated Czech talent Linda Noskova 7-5, 6-4. The match, played in scorching conditions that exceeded 40°C and was briefly suspended, showcased Wang’s resilience and aggressive baseline game. “It’s amazing. I feel like I have so much support here. It was tough, but I’m really happy to win,” Wang said after the match.
Profile: Xinyu Wang at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Singles Ranking | World No. 46 |
| Career-High Ranking | World No. 32 |
| Age & Nationality | 24, China |
| Height | 182 cm |
| Plays | Right-handed (two-handed backhand) |
| 2026 Australian Open Prize Money (Singles) | ~A$480,000 (to date) |
| Career Prize Money | ~A$6.1 million |
Next Challenge: A Clash with a Top Seed
Wang’s reward for her giant-killing run is a daunting fourth-round encounter against American fourth seed Amanda Anisimova. The match is scheduled for Monday 26 January on the showcourts at Melbourne Park. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two players on the WTA Tour. Anisimova advanced with a 6-1, 6-4 win over Peyton Stearns.
Wang enters the contest as China’s sole remaining representative in the singles draw, following the pre-tournament withdrawal of compatriot Zheng Qinwen. Her current form is formidable, boasting an 8-2 win-loss record for the 2026 season, which included a runner-up finish at the Auckland Classic earlier this month.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wang Xinyu’s best previous result at the Australian Open?
Prior to this year, Wang’s best result in Melbourne was reaching the second round in both 2022 and 2023. She suffered first-round exits in 2024 and 2025.
Who will Wang Xinyu play in the fourth round?
She is set to face the tournament’s fourth seed, American Amanda Anisimova, on Monday 26 January. A victory would see Wang reach her first-ever Grand Slam quarter-final.
What is significant about Wang’s run this year?
This is the first time Wang has reached the second week (fourth round or beyond) of the Australian Open. It is also the third time in her career she has advanced to the fourth round of any major tournament.