The top-ranked Alcaraz and Sabalenka advanced to the second round at the Australian Open

Sabalenkova surprisingly dropped serve to open her first-round clash with French wild card Tiantsoa “Sarah” Rakotomanga Rajaonah, but came out on top to secure a 6-4, 6-1 victory.

The two-time Australian Open champion is attempting to become the first woman to reach four consecutive finals at Melbourne Park since Martina Hingis won six in a row from 1997-2002.

“I try to focus on myself and if I can do it. [make another final]it will mean a lot to me,” Sabalenka said. “But I’m trying to take it one step at a time and play my best tennis every time.

Walton was far from embarrassing against six-time major Alcaraz, but was ultimately outclassed, especially when he failed to capitalize on a break in the second set.

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The 81st-ranked Queenslander struggled with Alcaraz at times and impressed Jim Courier enough to predict he could be a top-50 player in the future.

But Walton will rue his second-set tiebreak loss, where he fluffed a high volley and committed two double faults – one of them on set point.

Alcaraz sprinkled in some typically gutsy moments throughout the night, including a “tweener after being caught out of position. He ended up losing the point, but Walton shook his head and smiled at his rival’s brilliance.

Even better was Alcaraz’s winning backhand volley midway through the second set, which followed a tough half volley. He shot a total of 38 winners.

Alcaraz’s celebrations were also box office. After the aforementioned volley, he waggled his index finger as veins popped on his sculpted arms as he pumped his fist vigorously after choking down a forehand winner to break Walton and take a 5-3 lead in the first set.

Next up for Alcaraz is German veteran Yannick Hanfmann, who defeated American qualifier Zachary Svajda in four sets.

Earlier, with Grand Slam legends Federer and Laver watching from the front row, Sabalenkova put on a net-rushing clinic.

The ever-evolving Belarusian superstar told everyone in Brisbane that she wanted to hit the net more this year – and it wasn’t just lip service as evidenced by her victory over Rakotomanga Rajaonah.

Sabalenka broke ground 22 times and won 16 of those clean sweeps, including the odd serve and volley, as she continues to expand her formidable arsenal.

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She completed her night’s work by securing a post-match “selfie” with Laver and Federer after politely asking for it during a courtside chat with Jelena Dokic.

“I definitely worked on my serve-volley. I’m very happy that I succeeded in the match,” said Sabalenka.

“On practice [court] is one thing, but being fearless and going out there to fight is another. I’m really proud to be able to showcase this tennis.”

Asked if Federer’s presence had any effect on her approach to the net, Sabalenka joked: “Of course, I just wanted to impress Roger with my game. I couldn’t do that.” [a] “Tweener, but that’s okay—next time.

Former world No. 4 Dokic was impressed with Sabalenkova’s performance and told Nine that she thought it was the best she had ever pushed the Belarusian, especially with her speed off the mark.

Sabalenkova avoided a potentially tricky rematch of last year’s quarter-final, when Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova suffered an upset 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (12-10) defeat to Chinese qualifier Bai Zhuoxuan, who has slipped to 702nd in the rankings due to back and ankle injuries.

It was a promising Grand Slam debut for Rakotomanga Rajaonah.

There was controversy in some quarters ahead of the tournament over the reciprocal wild cards that allow Australian, French and American players to score in the year’s main draw Grand Slams, but Rakotomanga Rajaonah more than justified her handout.

It was only her 19th match at tournament level – more than 500 behind Sabalenka – but the world number 18 looks set for more Slam outings, and probably on her own merit.

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