Class and Grit Sees Kgothatso Montjane Advance at the Australian Open

Kgothatso Montjane has booked her place in the second round of the Australian Open. She secured a 7-5; 6-4 win over Angelica Bernal in Melbourne, Victoria in Australia, on Wednesday, 28 January 2026. 

The South African tennis star was made to work for her victory; the first set saw both players exchange the upper hand, but it was Montjane who would emerge victorious. With the match sitting at 5-5, she was able to capitalise on Bernal’s unforced error to lead 6-5, eventually winning the first set. 

It was much of the same in the second set, where Montjane’s Colombian opponent again pushed her all the way. Bernal fought, but it was not enough to get past the South African, who is known for her class on court. 

The two players then faced one another again, this time with their doubles partners, Manami Tanaka and Ksenia Chasteau, respectively. Montjane and Manami emerged victorious despite losing the first set to comeback and take the match 4-6; 6-4; 1-0 on the same set. 

Montjane will play China’s Ziying Wang on Thursday in the quarterfinals and will again partner with Tanaka for their doubles semi-final against Wang and Xiaohui Li later in the day. 

Main Photo Caption: Kgothatso Montjane has booked her place in the second round of the Australian Open. She secured a 7-5; 6-4 win over Angelica Bernal on Wednesday, 28 January 2026 in Melbourne. Photo: Tennis South Africa