Baptiste Battles Into Australian Open Second Round, Sets Up Clash With Hunter
MELBOURNE, 21 January 2026 – American Hailey Baptiste navigated a tense all-American duel to book her spot in the Australian Open second round, setting up a compelling showdown with Australia’s Storm Hunter. The 24-year-old from Washington D.C. overcame compatriot Taylor Townsend 6-3, 6-7(3), 6-3 in a first-round thriller that lasted over two hours on Sunday.
The Win: Baptiste Snaps Skid
Baptiste’s victory at Melbourne Park ended a run of five defeats in her previous six matches. The world No. 70 showcased her powerful serve, firing nine aces and saving crucial break points to edge past the left-handed Townsend. After surrendering the second set in a tiebreak, Baptiste regrouped to dominate the decider, breaking Townsend’s serve early and closing out the match with confidence. The win earned her A$150,345 and 70 ranking points.
Upcoming Challenge: Local Hope Awaits
Baptiste’s reward is a second-round encounter with Australian Storm Hunter, scheduled for Wednesday 21 January at 1:30 am local time. Hunter, who entered the main draw as a qualifier, defeated Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in her opening match. Baptiste holds a 1-0 head-to-head advantage over Hunter, but will face a partisan crowd supporting the local favourite. The winner will likely face a formidable third-round test against world No. 3 and fourth seed Coco Gauff.
Baptiste’s 2026 Form & Profile
The 2026 season has been a mixed bag for Baptiste thus far. Prior to her Melbourne win, she suffered first-round exits at the Hobart International (losing to Renata Zarazua) and the Brisbane International (losing to Yulia Putintseva). Currently at a career-high ranking of 47 (achieved in 2025), Baptiste is known for an aggressive, powerful baseline game. She turned professional in 2018 and has earned over US$1.6 million in career prize money. Her most notable win came in 2019 when she defeated former US Open finalist Madison Keys at the Citi Open.
Key Facts: Hailey Baptiste
| Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Current WTA Ranking | 70 |
| Career-High Ranking | 47 (August 2025) |
| Age | 24 (Born 3 November 2001) |
| 2026 Win-Loss Record | 1-2 |
| Australian Open 2026 Result | Advanced to 2nd Round |
| Next Opponent | Storm Hunter (AUS) |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Hailey Baptiste’s next match at the Australian Open?
Baptiste is scheduled to play Australia’s Storm Hunter in the second round on Wednesday 21 January 2026, not before 1:30 am AEDT.
What was the score of Baptiste’s first-round match?
She defeated fellow American Taylor Townsend 6-3, 6-7(3), 6-3 in the round of 128.
What is Hailey Baptiste’s best performance at a Grand Slam?
Her best Grand Slam result to date is reaching the fourth round at the 2025 French Open, where she was defeated by Madison Keys.
Who could Baptiste face if she beats Storm Hunter?
The draw projects a third-round match against fourth seed and world No. 3 Coco Gauff, who holds a 1-0 head-to-head advantage over Baptiste.