Australian Open draw blockbusters: Matches to look forward to at Melbourne Park originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

With the Australian Open 2026 draw now being released, there is a plethora of quality matches to look forward to in the opening round.

Australia's own Alex de Minaur features in one of the best opening matches, taking on Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini.

On the women's side of the draw, two-time major winner Barbora Krejcikova squares off against world no.11 Diana Shnaider.

The Sporting News looks at the blockbuster men's and women's matches in the first round.

Australian Open matches to watch – First Round

Men's singles

Alex de Minaur vs. Matteo Berrettini

Berrettini has a 3-2 record against the sixth-seeded Australian, including a straight sets win at Wimbledon 2023.

Alexander Bublik vs. Jenson Brooksby

The flamboyant Kazak has risen to 10 in the world, while Brooksby has been ranked as high as 33.

Alexander Zverev vs. Gabriel Diallo

Diallo won his first career title at the Libema Open in the Netherlands and has a career-high ranking of 33.

Andrey Rublev vs. Matteo Arnaldi

A real banana skin for Rublev with Arnaldi reaching the fourth-round at a major on three occasions.

Ben Shelton vs. Ugo Humbert

A blockbuster first-ever match-up between the dynamic duo – Shelton the world no.8, while Humbert was on the cusp of the top 10 in 2024

Grigor Dimitrov vs. Tomas Machac

Both players have slipped down the rankings but are both capable of reaching the second week.

Karen Khachanov vs. Alex Michelsen

US Open finalist Khachanov faces a tough battle in the rising American star.

Women's singles

Victoria Mboko vs. Emerson Jones

The Aussie teenager takes on another teen in Canada's Victoria Mboko, who won two titles in 2025.

Olga Danilovic vs. Venus Williams

Seven-time major winner Williams stares down the barrel of a tough contest with the stylish Danilovic.

Barbora Krejcikova vs. Diana Shnaider

Russian talent Shnaider will have sleepless nights ahead of meeting two-time major champion Krejcikova.

Mirra Andreeva vs. Donna Vekic

Eighteen-year-old Andreeva can't be complacent against Wimbledon 2024 semi-finalist Donna Vekic.

Belinda Bencic vs. Katie Boulter

The Swiss star led her nation to victory at the United Cup, but must be careful versus the dangerous Boulter.