Australian Open R1 preview and prediction: Korda vs. Zheng, Cerundolo vs. Zhang

American Sebastian Korda is in action on Day 1 at the Australian Open against fellow countryman Michael Zheng, while Francisco Cerundolo takes on Zhizhen Zhang. Cerundolo enters as the No. 1 seed. 18 in Melbourne.

Sebastian Korda vs. (Q) Michael Zheng

Michael Zheng has to work hard in Melbourne. The world number 174 came through the qualifiers, notably playing Cruz Hewitt (son of Lleyton Hewitt) in his debut. He had a two-hour encounter with Lukas Klein and saved a match point to secure his place in the main tournament.

That could all be good news for Korda, who entered the warm-up in Brisbane before losing to Thanasi Kokkinakis in three sets at the Adelaide International. The world number 51 reached the quarters of the Aussie Open in 2023, so when he is fit – as he is now – he usually plays well Down Under.

Pick Cheryl: Korda out of 3

Ricky pick: Korda of 4

(18) Francisco Cerundolo vs. (PR) Zhizhen Zhang

China’s Zhizhen Zhang suffered a serious shoulder injury last year in Indian Wells and has played sparingly since (three Asian swing tournaments and the United Cup earlier this year). He enters the Australian Open ranked 362nd in the world. His rival Francisco Cerundolo entered one game in 2026 (lost to Jaume Munar immediately in Adelaide), but he still won’t be as rusty as Zhang.

The Argentinian did not have the most impressive results in Melbourne, his best result coming in the third round (2023 and 2025). But you usually get through the opening round well enough. Zhang is a good player when he is healthy, but with this long suspension it is difficult to predict how quickly he will return to competitive form at the highest level in the fifth.

Choose Cheryl: Cedundolo in 3

Ricky pick: Cerundolo at 4