Klein Challenges Korda in Australian Open First Round Showdown

MELBOURNE, Australia — Qualifier Lukas Klein will face 23rd seed Sebastian Korda in a highly anticipated first-round clash at the 2025 Australian Open on Monday. The match marks their first career meeting and promises to be a test of resilience for both players.

Klein, ranked outside the top 100, enters the tournament on a strong note after successfully navigating three qualifying matches. The Slovakian defeated Terence Atmane in straight sets during the final qualifying round, showcasing his aggressive baseline game. Last year in Melbourne, Klein nearly pulled off a major upset against Alexander Zverev, pushing the German to a fifth-set tiebreak.

“Klein has proven he can compete at this level,” said tennis analyst Steve, who writes for Ace Tennis Previews. “His performance against Zverev last year shows he’s not intimidated by big names.”

Korda, meanwhile, returns to Grand Slam action after undergoing right elbow surgery that sidelined him for the latter part of 2024. The American reached the Adelaide final last week but fell to Félix Auger-Aliassime in three sets. His serve speeds appeared diminished in the final, raising questions about his physical condition.

“It’s great to see Korda back, but I have concerns about his ability to sustain his level in best-of-five sets,” Steve added. “Klein’s serve is strong enough to keep this match competitive.”

Bookmakers have installed Korda as the heavy favorite, but analysts suggest Klein could push the match to its limits. The Slovakian’s aggressive style and recent form make him a dangerous opponent, particularly on Melbourne’s fast hard courts.

In another intriguing Day 2 matchup, Christopher O'Connell will take on 14th seed Tommy Paul. The Australian, known for his powerful serve, looks to build on his second-round appearance from last year’s tournament. Paul, a 2023 Australian Open semifinalist, arrives in Melbourne after reaching the Adelaide semifinals.

“O’Connell’s serve could cause problems for Paul,” said David, a tennis coach and analyst based in Zagreb. “If he can maintain his service games, this could be closer than the odds suggest.”

With 28 matches scheduled for Day 2, the Australian Open continues to deliver compelling storylines and competitive tennis. The forecast calls for sunny conditions, with temperatures expected to reach 28°C (82°F), potentially favoring players with strong serves and aggressive baseline games.