Expect plenty of entertaining tennis on day one at the Australian Open. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule, Alexander Bublik vs Jenson Brooksby, Alexander Zverev vs Gabriel Diallo, and Carlos Alcaraz vs Adam Walton. But who will book their place in the second round?
Australian Open Day 1 Predictions
Frances Tiafoe vs Jason Kubler
Nurein: Frances Tiafoe enjoys a perfect 3-0 record against Jason Kubler and while results have been somewhat inconsistent in the past two years, the American has always turned up in the first round of Grand Slams and he is unlikely to face any danger in this match.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 3
Jordan: This should be a decent opening round draw for Tiafoe, who will try to respond to his average showing at last year’s Majors. Kubler has home advantage, but I doubt he has the game to trouble the American. Tiafoe should win even if he is not at his best.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 4
Zain: The collapse in Tiafoe’s form in the second half of 2025 was a big concern for the American, who is very much a confidence player and thrives on building momentum. Kubler, who had to qualify for the main draw here, should, given Tiafoe’s recent vulnerability, look to keep the rallies as long as possible. But given his age, and with his best tennis likely behind him, it might not be enough even against an opponent short on confidence.
Prediction: Tiafoe in 4
Francisco Cerundolo vs Zhang Zhizhen
Nurein: This is one of the toughest first rounds for a seeded player. Francisco Cerundolo’s ball striking ability is exceptional, but Zhang Zhizhen’s baseline weight can match that. The Chinese was also in good form at the United Cup. He will be determined to make up lost points after an injury-troubled 2025 season.
Prediction: Zhang in 5
Jordan: This will be Zhang’s first singles match in over three months and just his fifth since the end of March. Therefore, he almost certainly will not be at his best in this match. The solid Cerundolo should be able to expose his lack of match practice.
Prediction: Cerundolo in 3
Zain: After showing much potential, Zhang’s 2025 was riddled with injuries, making his physical state a question mark in best-of-five tennis. Cerundolo, who may not like fast hard courts as much as he does other surfaces, has the biggest weapon on the court in his forehand and should have enough baseline reliability to progress to the second round.
Prediction: Cerundolo in 4
Cameron Norrie vs Benjamin Bonzi
Nurein: Benjamin Bonzi was slow off the blocks in the opening weeks of the season, losing qualifying matches in Brisbane and Adelaide. The Frenchman can play better tennis than his current ranking of 106th, but this match might have come a little bit too soon after his recent injury spell.
Prediction: Norrie in 4
Jordan: Expect plenty of lengthy rallies in this contest. While Norrie has become more aggressive in the past 12 months, neither player possesses overwhelming firepower. Overall, i favor Norrie to be slightly craftier over five sets, but a win for Bonzi would not be surprising.
Prediction: Norrie in 5
Zain: 2025 saw Norrie reclaim a big chunk of what he had lost on tour after a stretch of tennis that saw him drop out of the top 100. Bonzi, on a shot-for-shot basis, might like his chances here, but add that to a physical battle in which Norrie never really fades, and the Brit should have enough.
Prediction: Norrie in 5
Damir Dzumhur vs Liam Draxl
Nurein: Liam Draxl is set for his Grand Slam main draw debut. He had a sensational summer in North America less than six months ago, reaching three successive Challenger finals and lifting his first title at that level in Winnipeg on home soil. At 33, Damir Dzumhur is a veteran on tour, but the Bosnian remains prone to losses against lower ranked players. If Draxl takes care of early nerves, he’s got a real shot at a win on debut.
Prediction: Draxl in 4
Jordan: This will be Draxl’s first Grand Slam main draw match. Dzumhur is past his prime, and will hope his experience can get him through this test. I have a feeling Draxl will be inspired enough to make his first main draw contest in Melbourne memorable.
Prediction: Draxl in 4
Zain: Draxl had one of the great comebacks in qualifying to book his place in the main draw and should feel good about his Australian Open campaign regardless of what happens here. His counterpunching style can make this a battle, but Dzumhur’s overall better ball quality should be enough to see him through.
Prediction: Dzumhur in 4
Main photo credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports