Grand Slam Debutant Bartunkova Stuns Bencic in Australian Open Boilover
MELBOURNE, 24 January 2026 – In the story of the tournament so far, Czech qualifier Nikola Bartunkova has produced a monumental upset at the Australian Open, defeating world No. 10 Belinda Bencic to storm into the third round on her Grand Slam main-draw debut.
A Dream Debut
The 19-year-old, ranked 126th, showed nerves of steel to overcome the 10th-seeded Swiss 6-3, 0-6, 6-4 in a gripping two-hour and 12-minute contest on Thursday night. The victory ended Bencic’s perfect 12-match winning streak to start the 2026 season, a run which included leading Switzerland to United Cup glory.
“It’s a dream come true, because it was an unbelievable match from me,” an emotional Bartunkova said post-match, having collapsed to the court in celebration. The win marked her first-ever victory over a Top 10 opponent.
Path to the Third Round
Bartunkova’s fairytale run began in qualifying. She then announced her arrival by defeating Australian representative Daria Kasatkina, a former Top 10 player, in a demanding three-set first-round battle (7-6(7), 0-6, 6-3). The win over Bencic proved that result was no fluke, showcasing her remarkable resilience after being bagelled in the second set for the second consecutive match.
Her game, described by the teenager herself as “unpredictable,” is filled with variety. She cited Roger Federer and Carlos Alcaraz as inspirations, utilising deft drop shots, aggressive net approaches, and flat groundstrokes to keep her vastly more experienced opponent off balance. Against Bencic, she fired 40 winners and won 17 of 26 points at the net.
Key Facts: Nikola Bartunkova’s Run
| Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age & Nationality | 19, Czech Republic |
| WTA Ranking | 126 |
| Tournament Status | Qualifier (Grand Slam debut) |
| 1st Round Result | Def. Daria Kasatkina 7-6(7), 0-6, 6-3 |
| 2nd Round Result | Def. [10] Belinda Bencic 6-3, 0-6, 6-4 |
| Prize Money (AUD approx.)* | ~A$337,500 after two rounds |
| Next Opponent | [21] Elise Mertens (BEL) in 3rd Round |
*Converted from reported USD figures.
Next Challenge Awaits
The dream now continues against another seasoned campaigner. Bartunkova will face No. 21 seed Elise Mertens of Belgium for a place in the second week. Mertens, a former Australian Open semi-finalist, presents a different tactical challenge with her consistent, defence-oriented game.
Bartunkova’s stunning fortnight has already seen her ranking surge from outside the Top 150 and has firmly placed the Czech teenager on the world tennis map.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Nikola Bartunkova?
Nikola Bartunkova is a 19-year-old professional tennis player from the Czech Republic. A former Top 10 junior, she entered the 2026 Australian Open ranked 126th in the world and as a qualifier, making this her first-ever main draw appearance at a Grand Slam.
How did she beat Belinda Bencic?
Bartunkova defeated the 10th-seeded Bencic in three sets (6-3, 0-6, 6-4). She displayed incredible variety in her shot-making, mixing power with touch, and showed tremendous mental fortitude to recover after losing the second set 6-0. She hit 40 winners and was particularly effective when moving forward to the net.
Who does Bartunkova play next at the Australian Open?
She is scheduled to play No. 21 seed Elise Mertens of Belgium in the third round (Round of 32). The match will be a clash between an experienced tour veteran and a debutant riding a wave of confidence.