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Novak Djokovic And Coco Gough headlines the second day of action Australian Open on Monday.
Ten-time champion Djokovic is confident he can challenge Carlos Alcaraz and Janic Sinner. While Gough will be hoping to improve on their quarter-final exit 12 months ago.
Iga Świątek also opens her challenge.
Here, we identify three matches to keep an eye on tomorrow.
Novak Djokovic (Serb) vs Pedro Martinez (Spa)
Djokovic pulled out of last week’s event in Adelaide to ensure he was firing on all cylinders in Melbourne in a very low-key build-up to the season’s first major.
The 38-year-old has not played an ATP Tour match since November when he defeated Lorenzo Musetti to win the Hellenic Championship in his home city of Athens.
So, it’s hard to gauge where he is in terms of his preparation but Djokovic’s experience and knowledge around Rod Laver Arena should mean he can navigate his opening test with little alarm.
Martinez is ranked 71st in the world and has never made it past the second round here. We don’t think it will go that far in 2026.
Prediction: Djokovic in three sets
Coco Goff (USA) vs Camila Rakhimova (UZB)
Goff’s best run at Melbourne Park came in 2024 when she reached the semi-finals and the American will be hoping to go at least one better this time around. She opened the second day on the main show court against the world number 93 who switched to Uzbekistan in December from representing Russia.
“It’s a fine line to play like your life depends on it but not play like your life depends on it,” said last year’s Roland Garros champion. “I try to give it my all, and when I walk off the court, just knowing that I gave it my all, and regardless of the results, I still have things to look forward to.”
She shouldn’t have too many problems here.
Prediction: Goff in straight sets
Iga Świątek v Yuan Yue
The women’s champion is likely to come from one of Gough, Switek or Aryana Sabalenka, who defeated Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajonah earlier today.
Switek has never reached a final, with her best result coming in the semi-finals in Melbourne 12 months ago.
The pole showed just how devastating she can be at Wimbledon last year and she has an added boost this fortnight in her bid to become only the 11th woman to complete a career Grand Slam.
Won’t slip here soon…
Prediction: Świątek in straight sets
