Blake Krass provides an in-depth look at his top selections for the first round of the highly anticipated 2026 Australian Open, set to start on Sunday in Australia. Matches will begin on Saturday evening for American audiences and will unfold over the subsequent days.
Among the noteworthy matchups, American Frances Tiafoe faces Australian qualifier Jason Kubler. Kubler enters the main draw with the confidence derived from his successful qualification journey, and having the home crowd behind him may be pivotal in creating an upset. Tiafoe, coming off a disappointing season, has struggled in past Australian Opens and only advanced past the second round once in his career, suggesting that Kubler could capitalize on Tiafoe’s shaky form.
Another significant figure is Carlos Alcaraz, who will square off against Adam Walton. Alcaraz has shown remarkable dominance and, if he maintains his focus, it’s difficult to foresee Walton taking a set in this encounter. Additionally, Jannik Sinner, already a two-time Australian Open champion, is favored to continue his strong performance trend against Hugo Gaston, a player he has consistently bested in prior matches.
Alexander Zverev, currently ranked as the world’s No. 3 player, looks poised for a successful run in Melbourne. Having reached the finals in 2024 and performed strongly last year, he is set to face young talent Gabriel Diallo and is expected to leverage his experience to secure a victory.
The tournament also marks the return of Venus Williams, a notable figure in women’s tennis who has held impressive titles at the Australian Open. Despite not having advanced past the first round in Grand Slams since 2021, Williams, known for her powerful play, may have a chance to take at least one set from Olga Danilovic, ranked No. 68 in the world. At enticing odds of +140, betting on Williams to win a set could be a tempting opportunity for enthusiasts.
As the 2026 Australian Open approaches, there’s much to look forward to, with suspenseful matches and champions ready to make their mark. Tennis fans can expect an exciting kickoff to the new season fueled by the anticipation of thrilling upsets and emerging stories, showcasing the resilience and talent of both seasoned players and newcomers alike.