Melbourne Heat Conquers Canadian Players

By Richard Pagliaro | Monday, January 19, 2026
Photo credit: Jacob Pacheco Twitter

Monday’s Melbourne heat took its toll contributing to knocking a pair of Canadian’s out of the Australian Open.

Canadian qualifier Marina Stakusic collapsed to the court at 3-all in the final set against Aussie Priscilla Hon apparently suffering from a back issue and scorching conditions. On court temperatures reached about 87 degrees Fahrenheit with heavy humidity.

Though Stakusic rose to play a couple of more games, she was forced to tap out with Hon holding a 1-6, 6-4, 5-3 lead.

Tournament staffers carted Stakusic off in a wheelchair.

🇨🇦(Q)Marina Stakusic can no longer continue. She gave it her all but could barley move out there. Intense battle from both players.

Classy from 🇦🇺Priscilla Hon to be there consoling Marina. The Aussie WC is into round two as another Canadian drops due to injury. #AusOpen #AO26 pic.twitter.com/E1wre0cS89

— Jacob Pacheco (@JacobPacheco6) January 19, 2026

Aussie wild card Hon posted her first AO singles win since 2020 though obviously it didn’t end the way she hoped.

“I mean, obviously I didn’t want to win like that, but yeah, I do feel very relieved that I’m
through to the second round,” Hon told the media in Melbourne. “I mean, I really hope she does feel better.

“That was quite a scene out there. I had quite a few people come up to me and be, like, wow, that was so dramatic. Yeah, I’m just happy to get through to the second round.”

Asked how she coped with the heat, Hon replied “I’m Australian.”

“I mean, I’m Australian, so I should be quite used to it,” Hon said. “Yeah, it was definitely warm out there, and I think as well with the nerves, the stress levels, it just all impacts it.

“Obviously everyone is really stressed with playing in a Grand Slam, so it doesn’t help in that way.”

Earlier, two-time US Open semifinalist Felix Auger-Aliassime retired after cramping while trailing Portugal’s Nuno Borges 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.

Photo credit: Australian Open Facebook

After losing the third set, Auger-Aliassime, who seemed to be suffering from a hamstring issue, pulled the plug on the first round, walking to net slowly to shake hands.

Heartbreaking for FAA this but we know you'll be back stronger ❤️‍🩹

Borges is through to the second round 3-6 6-4 6-4 (retd)@wwos • @espn • @tntsports • @wowowtennis • #AO26 pic.twitter.com/uWKsBDqzkB

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 19, 2026

“I’m okay, but I just started cramping at the start of the third set,” Auger-Aliassime said. “Yeah, it became
very difficult to be competitive at this level.

“I tried for a set, but yeah, wasn’t possible today.”