Alcaraz Faces Shevchenko in Australian Open First Round

MELBOURNE, Australia — Carlos Alcaraz, one of the top contenders for the 2025 Australian Open, begins his campaign against Alexander Shevchenko in a highly anticipated first-round match on Monday. The 21-year-old Spaniard, ranked No. 3 in the world, has yet to advance past the quarterfinals in Melbourne but remains a formidable force on the ATP Tour.

Alcaraz, who has an intimidation factor on the court, faces Shevchenko, a 24-year-old Kazakh who reached a career-high ranking last year. Despite Shevchenko’s steady baseline game, Alcaraz is expected to dominate the match. “Alcaraz should be fit and firing in the opening match,” said Steen Kirby, a tennis analyst. “Shevchenko is not a walkover, but it will take a level he can’t produce for three sets.”

Shevchenko’s recent performances have been inconsistent. At the United Cup, he defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas but struggled against other top players. “Shevchenko is a very inconsistent player,” noted Ismael Gonzalez. “It probably won’t matter which version shows up to face Alcaraz.”

Alcaraz, aiming to become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam, has never won the Australian Open. His best showing was a quarterfinal exit in 2024. However, his aggressive play and versatility make him a favorite against Shevchenko. “Alcaraz hasn’t shown his best tennis at this event yet, but he should be able to find his game in Melbourne,” said Damian Kust.

In other matches, Karen Khachanov faces Adrian Mannarino in a clash of contrasting styles. Khachanov, ranked No. 19, has a 4-0 head-to-head record against the 36-year-old Frenchman. “Khachanov should win comfortably,” Gonzalez predicted. Meanwhile, Alexandre Muller, fresh off his first ATP title in Hong Kong, takes on Nuno Borges in a tightly contested match. “Muller is in great form, but Borges is a slight favorite,” said Kust.

Local favorite Tristan Schoolkate will also be in action, facing Taro Daniel in a rematch of their 2024 US Open first-round encounter. Schoolkate, who came back from two sets down to win that match, will have the home crowd behind him. “This is a great chance for both players,” Gonzalez added. “It could come down to who manages their nerves best.”

Day 1 of the men’s singles tournament was disrupted by heavy rain, but 12 matches were completed. The action continues on Monday with defending champion Jannik Sinner and 10-time Australian Open winner Novak Djokovic also set to take the court.