Third-seeded Alexander Zverev rallied from a slow start to defeat rising Canadian Gabriel Diallo in four sets in the first round of the 2026 Australian Open, advancing to the second round at Melbourne Park for the 10th consecutive year. The 6-7(7), 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 victory on Rod Laver Arena highlighted Zverev’s resilience and strong serving after an initial struggle.
The match began with Zverev unable to match Diallo’s aggressive pace, dropping the first set in a tiebreak. However, the German quickly adjusted, dominating the next three sets with precise serves and baseline consistency. According to the Australian Open website, Zverev dropped only seven service points in the final three sets, showcasing his control once he found his rhythm.
Diallo, ranked 41st globally, posed a significant challenge with his youthful energy and attacking style. Zverev acknowledged this in his post-match interview, stating, “Definitely when I saw the draw, wasn’t too happy to be honest. He’s very young, very talented. Unbelievably aggressive.” Despite the early setback, Zverev praised Diallo’s potential while emphasizing his own improved performance as the match progressed.
The turning point came early in the second set when Zverev broke Diallo’s serve, never relinquishing momentum thereafter. His ability to win key points under pressure and maintain consistency allowed him to secure the match comfortably. This win extends Zverev’s impressive record at the Australian Open, where he has been a consistent performer in recent editions.
On a bustling Day 1 at the Australian Open, other seeded players experienced mixed results. Seventh-seeded Jasmine Paolini cruised to a straight-sets victory, while No. 20 seed Flavio Cobolli suffered an upset loss to British qualifier Arthur Fery. In the women’s draw, upsets included Elsa Jacquemot defeating No. 20 Marta Kostyuk and Zeynep Sönmez ousting No. 11 Ekaterina Alexandrova, adding drama to the tournament’s opening.
Zverev’s victory sets the stage for a potential deep run, with his next opponent yet to be determined. As a former finalist, he is considered a strong contender for the title, leveraging his experience and improved form on hard courts. The German will need to maintain this level as the competition intensifies in later rounds.
The Australian Open, the season’s first Grand Slam, kicked off with high anticipation, featuring top seeds like Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka. Zverev’s performance adds to the event’s excitement, underscoring the depth of talent in men’s tennis and the unpredictable nature of early-round matches.
Looking ahead, Zverev aims to build on this win and challenge for his first Australian Open crown. With his serve effective and confidence rising, he remains a key player to watch as the tournament progresses over the coming weeks.
