The Australian Open is finally upon us, and the fans are eager to catch every moment of the thrilling tennis action as young guns and stars go head-to-head in Melbourne. The real standout matches of the first round include an exciting takedown between Kazakhstani rising star Alexander Shevchenko and Spain's finest talent, Carlos Alcaraz. Coming back into Grand Slam action, one of the favorites in this tournament is Alcaraz, while Shevchenko will be trying to cause one of the biggest upsets in his career. But can he stand up to the relentless intensity of the Spanish sensation? Let's get into the details of this intriguing first-round encounter.
Claim Welcome BonusAlexander Shevchenko
Alexander Shevchenko has been doing his fair bit in climbing up the ATP rankings, coming into this match 72nd in the world. Having had a modest start to 2025, with a 2-2 win/loss record, there have been instances of what Shevchenko is truly capable of on tour. With powerful groundstrokes and consistent baseline play, the 23-year-old is out to make his mark on just his second Australian Open appearance.
Until his first outing at Melbourne Park in 2024, Shevchenko did not face a defeat, falling in straight sets to Jaume Munar, but this experience should serve him well in this year's competition. The serve can be a weapon with a total of 68% of points won off his first serve, but a first serve percentage of 59% is actually pretty low while he is nothing near top class when he plays return games, winning only 28% of the first-serve return points.
For Shevchenko to win against Alcaraz, he'll have to continue getting in most of his first serves and converting the few opportunities the Spaniard will make available. His temperament will be tested by one of the game's scourges.
Carlos Alcaraz
Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz arrives in Melbourne as the third seed and the contender for the title. Still only 20 years, he has already achieved incredible success, including 16 ATP titles and a career-high ranking of World No. 1. But while 2025 is his first competitive match of the season, Alcaraz's high-octane playing style and tireless energy make him a competitor feared by all on tour.
The stats just reflect his dominance on all surfaces, as Alcaraz made a first-serve accuracy of 65%, won 71% of first-serve points, and was brilliant on returns of first serves at 34%. These figures put him as an all-around player, excellent in both offense and defense.
Known for his aggressive baseline play and great movement, Alcaraz has mastered the rallies and turned defense into attack. His mental toughness is huge as he often rises under pressure and enjoys long matches. While seeking a deep run in the Australian Open, Alcaraz will most likely look to set the tone early in his opener against Shevchenko.
Expert Betting Tips
That's a style contrast, as Shevchenko's heavy groundstrokes and first-serve efficiency will face their ultimate test against Alcaraz's relentless pace and the ability to cover the court.
Shevchenko will look to serve big and try to keep the points short to deny Alcaraz from dictating the rallies. But the Spaniard's strong return game-34% success rate on first-serve returns-may offset Shevchenko's biggest weapon and make the Kazakh fight from the back of the court.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz will look to capitalize on the weaknesses that Shevchenko has in return games and longer rallies. His ability to construct points with precision and knack for converting break points at 41% makes him the overwhelming favorite in this contest.
Given it's the opening round, fatigue is unlikely to play a role, but it is always worth noting Alcaraz's great fitness and stamina in case it goes beyond three sets.
- Under 28.5 Total Games @ 1.76 Odds
- Alcaraz to win the first set 6-2 @ 4.00 Odds
- Carlos Alcaraz to win in straight sets @ 1.40 Odds
Other predictions
