Team Yonex Shines at the Australian Open 2026 in Melbourne’s Summer Heat

MELBOURNE, Australia—The Australian Open 2026 got underway on January 12 under the peak of the Australian summer, with thrilling matches unfolding each day and Team Yonex athletes delivering strong performances on the world’s biggest tennis stage.

Particular attention is on Yonex’s Head-to-Toe athletes, who compete fully equipped with Yonex gear—from racquets to apparel and footwear.

Stan Wawrinka (SUI),  a three-time Grand Slam singles champion who has announced his retirement at the end of the season, moved into the second round with a composed display, cheered on by a large crowd. After dropping the opening set, the veteran regained momentum with solid service games and patient baseline rallies. In the fourth set, he staged a key comeback from 2–4 down before sealing the match in a tense tiebreak.

Meanwhile, title contenders such as Casper Ruud (NOR), a three-time Grand Slam finalist, and Elena Rybakina (KAZ), who claimed the WTA Finals title last season and is currently in outstanding form, both advanced smoothly through their opening matches. Rinky Hijikata (AUS), the 2023 Australian Open men’s doubles champion, has also entered into a Head-to-Toe contract from the 2026 season and is competing in this year’s tournament wearing Yonex from head to toe.

Team Yonex athletes are wearing the top-tier “Tournament Style” apparel, designed for elite performance. Key features include the cooling “VERYCOOL” technology that lowers perceived temperature by up to 3°C, the racquet-inspired “O.P.S” back mesh structure for enhanced mobility, and the newly adopted “ISOMETRIC Cut” that allows unrestricted shoulder movement. The 2026 design theme, “JOURNEY,” reflects Yonex’s craftsmanship and heritage, incorporating gradient tones and reflective elements for a bold, modern look. Coordinated footwear and accessories complete the striking on-court appearance of Team Yonex players throughout the tournament.

PLAYER EQUIPMENT

Stan Wawrinka (SUI) : PERCEPT 97 / POWER CUSHION ECLIPSION 5 MEN

Casper Ruud (NOR) : EZONE 100 / POLYTOUR SPIN / POLYTOUR PRO 

POWER CUSHION ECLIPSION 5 MEN

Elena Rybakina (KAZ) : VCORE 100 / POLYTOUR FIRE / POWER CUSHION ECLIPSION 5 WOMEN

Rinky Hijikata (AUS) : EZONE 98 / POLYTOUR SPIN / POWER CUSHION ECLIPSION 5 MEN