Naomi Osaka brings fashion to RLA and Monfils says goodbye - quick hits from the Australian Open - ArkforgeAI.com

Photo: MARTIN KEEP Of course, there was plenty of good tennis on day three of the Australian Open but there was only one jellyfish-inspired outfit. Naomi Osaka donned that as she entered Rod Laver Arena for her match and the tennis world loved it. Elsewhere, a French legend waved goodbye, a Ukrainian was swamped with love, an Italian sprinted to the loo and an Australian has achieved her dream. Here are the quick hits from the Australian Open. 1. Ukrainian gets love from RLA and Keys For a minute there it looked like the mother of all upsets was on the cards as Ukraine's Oleksandra Oliynykova shot to a 4-0 lead over defending champion Madison Keys. Playing her first grand slam main draw match, Oliynykova's incredible defensive play and off-pace game, prominently featuring slice forehands, appeared to rattle the power play of Keys. The ninth seed managed to work her way quickly back into the set and force a tiebreak, but against Oliynykova had an upset brewing with two set points at 6-4, only to watch Keys rattle off four straight points. After the first set lasted 72 minutes, the second took less than 30 as Keys found her radar and blew Oliynykova off the court. But both players were smiling widely as they embraced at the net, with Keys directing the crowd to applaud the world number 92's almighty effort. "My opponent today was incredible. Such a great competitor and definitely made it tricky for me," Keys said as a beaming Oliynykova paused autograph signing courtside to listen in. Women supporting women is one of our favourite topics Class act, Madison pic.twitter.com/lVkUwxKt0n — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2026 2. Loo-ciano Darderi's unconventional celebration Luciano Darderi will always remember his first Australian Open victory, but perhaps not for the reasons he might like. Italy's 22nd seed completed what, on paper, looks like a regulation straight-sets win over Chile's Cristian Garin, but rushed through an embrace with his opponent before sprinting off the court. DARDERI VINCE UNA PARTITA PAZZESCA Il tennista italiano durante il terzo set inizia ad avvertire dei problemi di stomaco, resiste, vince la partita e scappa in bagno #Tennis #AusOpen #AO2026 #EurosportTennis #Darderi pic.twitter.com/ipxrsOhPPF — Eurosport IT (@Eurosport_IT) January 20, 2026 Darderi had been battling stomach issues throughout the final set and things looked mighty urgent straight after match point, although he did return soon after to acknowledge the crowd at 1573 Arena. He's the second Italian to be cut down by gut problems at this year's Australian Open, after 20th seed Flavio Cobolli succumbed against British qualifier Arthur Fery. 3. The French veteran says goodbye Tennis showman Gael Monfils has bowed out of his 20th and final Australian Open as he fell in the first round to local qualifier Dane Sweeny, 6-7 (3-7), 7-5, 6-4, 7-5. The 39-year-old Frenchman, who the Melbourne Park crowd has come to love over the years, showed flashes of his trademark flamboyance despite being restricted in his movement at a packed Kia Arena. A forever entertainer and keeper of innovative shots with the moves of Jagger - Gael Monfils, you'll be missed at the #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/ipJAUdCCeE — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2026 It was actually hard to tell who the crowd was cheering for as seats were full, lines were out the door and the decibel meter was at its highest. While it was a career-defining moment for Sweeny, it was bittersweet for Monfils, who is retiring at the end of the year. The duo even shared a heartfelt hug at the end of the match - way to get the tears flowing. Craig Tiley, Tennis Australia CEO, entered the arena to make a special presentation to the Frenchman after the match. As the ceremony began, the crowd erupted into a rhythmic chant for Monfils, who had a poignant message for fans. Photo: PAUL CROCK "Thank you so much," he said. "I mean, for me, my journey started in 2003 with you guys [when I] came here [for the] first time. Now we are in 2026, and somehow it's the finish line. "But thank you so much for this amazing ride. You guys have been unbelievable. "Merci beaucoup." 4. Osaka turns RLA into a fashion show Japanese star Naomi Osaka won her first-round match over Antonia Ruzic in three sets, but forget that - let's focus on her entrance outfit. The 16th seed entered Rod Laver Arena wearing a long, white, flowy outfit with a white hat and a white umbrella. It was a fashion show at the tennis. Social media erupted with excitement discussing the outfit, with some likening it to a geisha-style get-up. Speaking after the match, Osaka said Nike let her design it and it was inspired by a jellyfish. "It's modelled after a jellyfish. I am so grateful to be able to get to do the things I love," she said. "It's really beautiful." She went on to explain in more detail. "There's a butterfly on the hat and on the umbrella too," she said. "It has to do...

Naomi Osaka brings fashion to RLA and Monfils says goodbye - quick hits from the Australian Open

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