By Tony Fairbairn
Alexander Zverev [3] v Gabriel Diallo
Olga Danilovic v Venus Williams [WC]
Carlos Alcaraz [1] v Adam Walton
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – Alexander Zverev will begin his brutal Australian Open draw when he takes on Gabriel Diallo on day one in Melbourne.
Alexander Zverev [3] v Gabriel Diallo H2H & Match Fundamentals
Alexander Zverev [3] v Gabriel Diallo
H2H: First Meeting
Australian Open 2026
Melbourne, Australia
Hard (O)
Prize Money: $150,000
Second on Rod Laver Arena (02:00 GMT)
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It was 12 months ago where Alexander Zverev reached his first Australian Open as he fell to Jannik Sinner in straight sets. Unlike previous Grand Slam finals, Zverev never looked likely to win the final as he was dismantled in straight sets. After that final defeat, it was a poor run of form for Zverev who has continued to be more and more passive in his approach as he aims on being a baseline grinder as opposed to being an aggressive and proactive player. Now, Zverev is hoping that 2026 is the year that he breaks his Grand Slam duck and finally achieves his lifelong dream.
The first test for Zverev will be talented Canadian rising star Gabriel Diallo who achieved his breakthrough in 2025. The Canadian rose to the world’s top 50 playing some aggressive tennis as well as hitting some big serves along the way. The problem for Diallo this season is to now back that up as there will be expectation on his shoulders to continue his rise up the rankings. There is time on Diallo’s side though as he aims to physically and mentally mature with a big upset on his mind to start his Grand Slam season.
Zverev will aim to get a high first serve percentage and use his experience in best of five set matches to remain consistent and keep a strong base level. Meanwhile, Diallo will look to serve aggressively and take the match to Zverev by finishing points off at the net. This will be an interesting match but Zverev should outlast the young Canadian to start his Grand Slam season with victory.
Prediction: Zverev in four sets.
Olga Danilovic v Venus Williams [WC] H2H & Match Fundamentals
Olga Danilovic v Venus Williams [WC]
H2H: First Meeting
Australian Open 2026
Melbourne, Australia
Hard (O)
Prize Money: $150,000
Fourth on John Cain Arena (08:30 GMT)
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It was a solid 2025 season for Olga Danilovic who showed signs that she is ready to regularly compete inside the world’s top 30. The Serb produced some stunning tennis at times and was seeded at Grand Slam events on a consistent basis. Now, Danilovic needs to show that she can produce aggressive and proactive tennis year after year as she will look to develop her mental and tactical toughness in order to continue her rise up the rankings.
That development process will only get stronger when Danilovic faces seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams. It was surprising news when the American announced she was to return to the tour last summer for the US hard court swing. The appearance in Washington was her first appearance for 14 months and now the American is back in Australian to begin the 2026 season. Despite the euphoria of her return, Williams has lost her last six matches and will be hoping to prove she has more power, fight and ruthlessness left in her as she targets a winning return to Grand Slam tennis.
Danilovic will use depth to pin Williams behind the baseline and will aim to be aggressive in order to dictate play. Meanwhile, Williams will look to be aggressive on serve and use the forehand to set the tempo from the baseline. This will be a tough test for Williams and the former finalist will need to make an aggressive and quick start to the match. After a slow start, Danilovic should grow into the match and take victory in a comfortable third set.
Prediction: Danilovic in three sets.
Carlos Alcaraz [1] v Adam Walton H2H & Match Fundamentals
Carlos Alcaraz [1] v Adam Walton
H2H: Alcaraz leads 1-0
Australian Open 2026
Melbourne, Australia
Hard (O)
Prize Money: $150,000
Fourth on Rod Laver Arena (09:30 GMT)
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Carlos Alcaraz has his sights set on Australian Open glory and a chance to achieve the career Grand Slam. The Spaniard returns to Melbourne as world number one having had a very good season in 2025. After his painful quarter-final defeat to Novak Djokovic last year, Alcaraz will be targeting revenge and success this year as he aims to really prove that this is the ‘happy slam.’
The first test for Alcaraz will be Adam Walton who progressed well in 2025 as he played some aggressive tennis to make moves up the rankings. The Australian plays a proactive style of tennis and isn’t afraid to take risks in order to win matches. Now, Walton will need to do that here as he has nothing to lose and will aim to cause a big upset on day one of his home Grand Slam.
Alcaraz will aim for variety in his play as he will look to dictate on the forehand and return with efficiency. Meanwhile, Walton will aim to serve aggressively and close out points at the net in order to disrupt Alcaraz’s rhythm. The Spaniard needs to conserve as much energy as possible in order to have the best chance of winning this tournament so a straight sets win is necessary here.
Prediction: Alcaraz in straight sets.
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