Australian Open 2026 results: Novak Djokovic defeats Pedro Martinez for 100th tournament win

Alex de Minaur, seeded sixth, believes he has the potential to be a serious contender for major titles and become the first Australian to win a men’s singles title at home at a Grand Slam since Mark Edmondson in 1976.

The 26-year-old, who has reached the quarter-finals in each of the four Grand Slams, began his campaign with a 6-2 6-2 6-2 win over lucky loser Mackenzie McDonald but insisted he had more to prove.

“I’ve reached a point where I’m no longer just another number in the lottery,” De Minaur said. “I’m playing to win it, to be one of the players in contention. In the end, that’s the goal. It’s not about satisfaction.” [with this performance]”.

Elsewhere, 13th seed Andrey Rublev beat Italian Matteo Arnaldi in straight sets, while 12th seed Casper Ruud, a three-time Grand Slam finalist, lost just seven games en route to victory over Mattia Bellucci.

Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, seeded 14th, and American Tommy Paul, seeded 19th, qualified unscathed against Filip Misulic and Aleksandar Kovacevic, respectively.

However, there was a surprise early exit for 17th seeded Czech Jiri Lehka, who fell to Arthur Jeya in straight sets. The Frenchman, who qualified through qualifying, will face 40-year-old former champion Stan Wawrinka in the second round.