Sun Jan 18 08:50:00 UTC 2026: ### Australian Open 2026: Experts Predict First Round Match Outcomes
The Story:
As the Australian Open 2026 kicks off at Melbourne Park, tennis analysts at Last Word On Tennis have provided their predictions for several highly anticipated first-round matches. Among those analyzed are Carlos Alcaraz vs. Adam Walton, Alexander Zverev vs. Gabriel Diallo, Frances Tiafoe vs. Jason Kubler, Alexander Bublik vs. Jenson Brooksby, Sebastian Korda vs. Michael Zheng, Miomir Kecmanovic vs. Tomas Martin Etcheverry, and Yannick Hanfmann vs. Zachary Svajda. Experts Nurein, Jordan, and Zain weigh in on each match, offering insights into player form, historical performance, and potential upsets.
Key Points:
* Analysts are divided on the Alexander Bublik vs. Jenson Brooksby match, with one predicting an upset in favor of Brooksby due to his disruptive game, while others believe Bublik’s recent form will prevail.
* All analysts predict Sebastian Korda to win against Michael Zheng, citing Korda’s experience and ball-striking ability, although Zheng’s qualifying momentum is acknowledged.
* Tomas Martin Etcheverry is favored against Miomir Kecmanovic due to his powerful forehand and superior stamina in potentially long matches.
* Predictions for Yannick Hanfmann vs. Zachary Svajda are split, with some highlighting Svajda’s strong qualifying performance and others noting Hanfmann’s potential if he maintains a consistent serve.
* The analyses take into account player history, recent performance, and potential for upsets.
Key Takeaways:
* The opening round of the Australian Open 2026 promises several compelling matchups with varying degrees of predictability.
* Player form and historical performance at the Australian Open are key factors in analysts’ predictions.
* Potential for upsets exists, particularly in matches involving players with inconsistent performances or those facing in-form qualifiers.
* Analysts consider both the strengths and weaknesses of each player to arrive at their predictions.
First Piper 