AUSTRALIAN OPEN

January 20, 2026

Wu Yibing

Press Conference

W. YIBING/L. Nardi

7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2

THE MODERATOR: First of all, congrats. This is your first main draw singles win here at Australian Open. How pleased are you to finally get this?

WU YIBING: I mean, it's my second time playing, so I would say it's pretty good percentage of winning here.

After three good matches in quallies, I think I'm in good shape, especially on the baseline. I think I'm very confident on my forehand, backhand, groundstrokes. Also, been working some drop shots and slice to (speaking Chinese) skills.

THE MODERATOR: Enrich your skills.

WU YIBING: Yes.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. As a qualifier, how does it feel coming into the main draw and having those wins under your belt, and how important is it, do you think, for your success?

WU YIBING: Of course, no one wants to play quallies. All the players, we are really looking forward to the chances to get in main draw in all the slams. It's not my first time. I did it a few years ago in US Open.

I feel like I was never 100% in all the back-to-back matches. Always I would feel like some small parts of me was hurting. That's actually bother me the most that I couldn't have, like, a consistent tournaments or matches in a row.

But I feel like I'm managing pretty well here and had, like, few days of rest, which is huge for me. I could, like, recover a little bit.

I think I'm playing some really good tennis.

Q. Do you think you have an edge on the other folks in the main draw that haven't already won three times at Melbourne Park just because you've got that rhythm and momentum?

WU YIBING: Yeah, of course. I mean compared with the players, like -- because when you practice, it's totally different when you actually step on court, the tension, and how you are going to feel that day, it's going to be different.

I mean, if it's possible, I would love to play straight main draw, because it saves the hustle, and you have also, like, a week to play other tournaments.

I mean, but can't complain.