Dominant Fahey starts year with major triple title sweep

CLAIRE Fahey has continued her dominance of women’s racquet sports with a trio of major titles at the start of 2026.

The Oratory School’s head of racquets completed a real tennis brace with victory in both the singles and doubles at the Australian open.

Fahey eased through the singles draw but saved her best performance for the final against world number two, Lea Van Der Zwalmen.

She then produced some of her best tennis in an opening which saw her remarkably lose only five points as she closed the set out 6-0.

The French challenger showed signs of improvement in the second, but could not cope with the world champion’s precision or power.

And despite Van Der Zwalmen having chances in the third set, Fahey proved too strong as she emphatically closed the match out with another 6-0 set.

Victory in Melbourne was Fahey’s 11th triumph at the Australian open, having first won the tournament in 2010.

It marked her 49th major open singles title to go alongside her eight world championship victories.

The doubles competition followed a similar pattern.

Fahey partnered with world number four Saskia Bollerman to defeat Van Der Zwalmen and Katherine Carney
6-3, 6-2 as the pair played with great maturity and showcased their doubles experience.

Speaking after the tournament, Fahey said: “This has been an excellent start to 2026 and credit to all the players in Melbourne and the club for putting on such a good event.

“It was great to play in front of some big crowds and produce some of my best tennis.

“I am feeling optimistic that my good form can continue through the year.”

The phenom — one of the most dominant performers in women’s world sport — then added a sixth British open racquets title to her collection as she avenged her 2025 defeat to defending champion Cesca Sweet.

Fahey powered to a 15-4, 15-6, 15-2 triumph against the number one seed at Queen’s Club.

New champion Fahey said: “It felt a lot better than I ever imagined.

“I needed something special against a competitor like Cesca because we’re always going to have a great battle. I hope we’ll have many more.”