By Tony Fairbairn
- Stefanos Tsitsipas [31] v Tomas Machac
- Jessica Pegula [6] v McCartney Kessler
- Lorenzo Musetti [5] v Lorenzo Sonego
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – Stefanos Tsitsipas will face a severe test in Melbourne when he faces the in-form Tomas Machac on day five of the Australian Open.
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Stefanos Tsitsipas [31] v Tomas Machac H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Stefanos Tsitsipas [31] v Tomas Machac | H2H: Tsitsipas leads 1-0 |
| Australian Open 2026 | Melbourne, Australia |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $225,000 |
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It’s been an up and down ride for Stefanos Tsitsipas over the past couple of years with there being more lows than highs. That was perfectly illustrated as he escaped past Shintaro Mochizuki in four sets to reach the second round as no match is comfortable for the 31st seed. A former finalist in Melbourne, Tsitsipas is hoping another trip to the Australian Open will resurface those glory days as he needs to start playing progressive and proactive tennis if he wants to have any chance of reaching the second week.
It doesn’t get any easier for Tsitsipas as he faces the in-form Tomas Machac. After winning the title in Adelaide last week, Machac has backed that week up with a terrific performance against Grigor Dimitrov, defeating the Bulgarian in straight sets in Melbourne. A mixture of attacking tennis sees Machac’s stock continue to grow and that is evident when he is actually ranked higher than Tsitsipas heading into this match. Now, Machac is looking to pray on a vulnerable Tsitsipas and score another big win at a big tournament.
Tsitsipas will use the wide serve to force Machac out of position while finishing off the points with the backhand. Meanwhile, Machac will aim to be aggressive on return and will use the forehand to pin Tsitsipas behind the baseline. This should be a competitive match with this having the makings of a classic five setter. In the end form trumps experience as Machac will edge into the third round.
Prediction: Machac in five sets.
Jessica Pegula [6] v McCartney Kessler H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Jessica Pegula [6] v McCartney Kessler | H2H: Pegula leads 1-0 |
| Australian Open 2026 | Melbourne, Australia |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $225,000 |
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It was a mixed 2025 season for Jessica Pegula who started the season slow but ended the year in fine form. A sensational performance at the US Open mixed with a title on the grass in Berlin laid the foundations for the 2026 season as Pegula will feel she isn’t too far away from a Grand Slam title. However, Pegula will be hoping for a consistently impressive season at the Grand Slams as that is something that has been lacking in recent years and playing doubles game may be the thing required in order to fine-tune her game under pressure.
Speaking of doubles, Pegula will now face her doubles partner at the Australian Open in the form of McCartney Kessler. The American has had a great last 12 months which included a title in Nottingham and it has seen her ranking surge upwards and she is one of the highest ranked players to be unseeded at this year’s draw. A mixture of effortless power from the power and competent net skills sees her as a threat to any player and now she will be aiming to knock out one of the contenders for the title in Melbourne.
Pegula will be aiming to be aggressive on serve and will look to finish points off at the net. Meanwhile, Kessler will be aiming to pounce on any short second serves and be proactive inside of the court. This will be a tight match but Pegula’s experience and consistent quality may ensure that she doesn’t suffer another shock exit at a Grand Slam.
Prediction: Pegula in three sets.
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Lorenzo Musetti [5] v Lorenzo Sonego H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Lorenzo Musetti [5] v Lorenzo Sonego | H2H: Tied at 1-1 |
| Australian Open 2026 | Melbourne, Australia |
| Hard (O) | Prize Money: $225,000 |
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It’s good to see Lorenzo Musetti back to full fitness after the Italian had some injuries last year. Nevertheless it was a good season for the Italian who reached his first Grand Slam semi-final at Roland Garros as well as competing on home soil at the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin. Now, expectations will rise for Musetti who knows how important it is to back that up with a consistently good season in 2026.
Doubles partner Lorenzo Sonego will await in the second round in what will be a thrilling second round match. Sonego has had some inconsistent form but showed last year what he is capable of by reaching the quarter-finals in Melbourne with some exceptional tennis. Now, Sonego will be hoping to back that up as he will need a lot of confidence and consistency in order to repeat the feat.
Musetti will use the wide serve to confidently construct points onto his backhand where he is most deadly. Meanwhile, Sonego will aim to be aggressive on the first serve and use of combination of pace and depth in order to finish points off efficiently. This should be a good contest with both players believing they can achieve something special in Melbourne. The consistent quality of Musetti should prevail but Sonego will be aiming to test his compatriot’s stamina and physicality.
Prediction: Musetti in four sets.
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