With 16 matches on the slate, it promises to be an entertaining first day at Melbourne Park. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule, including Carlos Alcaraz vs Adam Walton, Alexander Zverev vs Gabriel Diallo, and Frances Tiafoe vs Jason Kubler. But who will reach the second round at the Australian Open?
Australian Open Day 1 Predictions
Alexander Bublik vs Jenson Brooksby
Nurein: The Australian Open has been Alexander Bublik’s least favourite Grand Slam in terms of results. While the Kazakh is now entrenched in the world’s top 10, that doesn’t change the overriding factor about his unpredictability in any match. Jenson Brooksby is a counterpunching machine, but on the evidence of his performances in the opening week of the season, he is unlikely to hurt Bublik.
Prediction: Bublik in 4
Jordan: This might be one of the best opening round matches. Bublik’s improvements in the past 12 months have been superb, but the crafty Brooksby possesses a game that can disrupt the Kazakhstani. I have a feeling this will be among the early upsets.
Prediction: Brooksby in 4
Zain: One of the best opening-round matches, the one previous time these two players met it was Brooksby who won. He can make this a challenge for the world #10 yet again, but Bublik, for a good six months now, has been playing the best tennis of his life, something that should tip the scales here.
Prediction: Bublik in 4
Sebastian Korda vs Michael Zheng
Nurein: Three seasons ago, Sebastian Korda’s career was on upward trend after reaching the quarterfinals in this tournament. But injuries have cruelly halted his momentum and results. Compatriot Michael Zheng started the season with a semifinal finish at the Noumea Challenger before putting together a successful qualifying run in Melbourne. The gulf in experience and ball striking is huge and Korda should make it to the second round.
Prediction: Korda in 3
Jordan: 21-year-old Zheng qualified for a Grand Slam main draw for the first time in thrilling style. Although this is a big moment for him, he can also play without pressure or anything to lose against Korda. His more experienced compatriot’s greater firepower should be enough to prevail, but expect Zheng to have his moments.
Prediction: Korda in 3
Zain: Korda is clearly the more prolific player here, but his health has been a consistent worry, especially in best-of-five matches. Zheng, on the other hand, has the momentum of qualifying for the main draw, something that could make this a challenge for Korda, but eventually Korda’s baseline game should be more than enough here to get a victory.
Prediction: Korda in 4
Miomir Kecmanovic vs Tomas Martin Etcheverry
Nurein: This has the makings of a five setter. Miomir Kecmanovic doesn’t always beat opponents routinely and Tomas Martin Etcheverry is always tough to put away regardless of the surface. If Etcheverry can hang around for four or potentially five sets, he has the legs and the energy to overpower the Serbian.
Prediction: Etcheverry in 5
Jordan: These two have differing strengths. Etcheverry tries to dominate matches with his forehand while Kecmanovic’s strength is his solid backhand. In the conditions at the Australian Open, I think Etcheverry will find enough joy with his powerful forehand to win.
Prediction: Etcheverry in 4
Zain: Both players in this match-up like to construct points and build out rallies, with neither having a solid enough serve to consistently win free points. In this case, I’m going with the player who has had more success in this match-up.
Prediction: Etcheverry in 4
Yannick Hanfmann vs Zachary Svajda
Nurein: Yannick Hanfmann’s main draw record at the Australian Open is dire with just one win from five. Zachary Svajda qualified for the year’s first Grand Slam on his third attempt. Svajda hadn’t played since mid-September but was untested in qualifying. Hanfmann will challenge him if the German is able to hit consistent first serves in play.
Prediction: Hanfmann in 5
Jordan: Svajda was very impressive in qualifying. Hanfmann’s level fluctuates a lot, which makes his matches challenging to predict. After how he played in qualifying. Svajda feels like the more likely winner.
Prediction: Svajda in 4
Zain: After a tough second half of 2025, Svajda looked really good in the qualifiers. If he keeps that level of tennis in this match, he could get a positive result here, but Hanfmann’s game, if on, should be just too explosive for the American to handle.
Prediction: Hanfmann in 4
Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports