It was a solid start for Argentine tennis stars in the 2026 Australian Open, with eight out of the nine players in the singles’ draws having already played, and four still in the running.

Action on Monday left just a single winner, as Thiago Tirante (103 ATP singles ranked) ran past home hero Aleksandar Vukic (78) by 7-5, 6-2, and 6-2 in one hour and 50 minutes of play at the ANZ Arena.

The 24-year-old from La Plata, who was the last-ranked player to access the draw directly, achieved his first ever win in the Australian Open main draw, and his second win in a Grand Slam singles’ draw, with his first coming at the 2023 French Open.

He’s got little time to celebrate, however, as he’s set to match up against U.S. player Tommy Paul (20) in the second round, on Tuesday.

That was the only positive news for Argentine tennis on Monday.

Mariano Navone (74) battled for three hours........

© Buenos Aires Herald