Czech players Tomas Machac and Jakub Mensik are set to continue their impressive performances at the Australian Open on Thursday, facing off against Stefanos Tsitsipas and Raphael Jodar, respectively, in the second round.
Beginning with the match between Machac and Tsitsipas, this matchup offers a striking example of an unseeded player holding a higher ranking than a seeded one. Over the past year, Machac has demonstrated remarkable form when healthy, significantly improving his game. In contrast, Tsitsipas has been experiencing a notable decline in his performance. Their only previous meeting occurred during the indoor hard courts season in Vienna in 2023, where Tsitsipas edged out Machac in a close contest, 6-3, 4-6, 7-5. However, the landscape has shifted dramatically since then. Machac not only clinched an ATP 500 title in Acapulco last season but has also started 2026 on a high note by winning a title in Adelaide just last weekend. He enters this showdown on a six-match winning streak after defeating Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets. Conversely, Tsitsipas showed signs of form by beating Shintaro Mochizuki and competing well at the United Cup but faltered against Aleksandar Vukic in Adelaide, showcasing ongoing issues with consistency. If the current incarnation of Machac makes an appearance, he is likely to exploit Tsitsipas’ weaknesses and secure a spot in the third round.
As for the match between Mensik and Jodar, this will mark their first encounter on the professional circuit. Just 20 years old, Mensik already boasts a Masters 1000 title from Miami in 2025 and ranks 17th in the world. Despite a less-than-stellar 2025 campaign prior to this season, he has rebounded with a title in Auckland and a compelling five-set victory over Pablo Carreno Busta in the first round. Jodar, a rising 19-year-old Spanish talent, also faced a challenging five-set match in his opening round, overcoming fellow NextGen player Rei Sakamoto. Currently riding a wave of confidence with a 23-3 record in his last 26 matches, Jodar’s recent success includes upsets and qualification at Melbourne Park. However, this match represents a significant step up for Jodar, as he has only faced a top 100 player once in his career. While both players show immense potential, Mensik’s experience and recent form may provide him with the crucial edge in this matchup.
Fans eagerly await these intriguing duels, with the rising stars of Czech tennis hoping to advance further in one of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments.