Top ATP Australian Open Picks: Medvedev Faces De Jong

The first round of the Australian Open 2026 features several exciting matchups. Among them, Daniil Medvedev takes on Jesper de Jong. This clash is set to begin on January 19, 2026, at 01:30 CEST. It marks the first meeting between the two players.
Match Overview: Medvedev vs. de Jong
Daniil Medvedev is currently on an impressive five-match winning streak. He recently secured the title in Brisbane, defeating Brandon Nakashima in the final in straight sets. In contrast, Jesper de Jong has struggled, losing four of his last five matches. His recent defeat occurred in Adelaide, where he was eliminated in the first round of qualifying by Tirante.
Previous Performances at the Australian Open
- Medvedev’s 2025 Australian Open: Exited in the second round after a five-set match against Tien.
- De Jong’s Australian Open History: Failed to qualify last season and has never progressed past the second round.
Expert Predictions and Betting Analysis
According to betting analysts, Medvedev is favored to win this matchup decisively. His performance on fast surfaces has been strong, and his recent victory in Brisbane enhances his confidence. De Jong appears to lack the necessary tools to challenge Medvedev effectively.
Given these factors, Medvedev covering a handicap of -7.5 games is seen as a solid bet, with odds at 1.67. This suggests a strong expectation of a dominant performance from the Russian star.
Other Matches to Watch
In addition to Medvedev’s match, viewers can also look forward to Nicolai Budkov Kjaer facing Reilly Opelka, and Learner Tien competing against Marcos Giron. Both matches promise to deliver intense action.
Match Details
| Match | Date & Time (CEST) | Key Insights |
|---|---|---|
| Medvedev vs. de Jong | 19.01.2026 01:30 | Medvedev is on a five-match win streak. |
| Budkov Kjaer vs. Opelka | 19.01.2026 02:30 | Opelka has more Grand Slam experience. |
| Tien vs. Giron | 19.01.2026 02:30 | Tien has lost previous encounters against Giron. |
With Medvedev’s current form and momentum, he is well-positioned to make a strong impact in this year’s Australian Open. As the tournament progresses, fans can anticipate thrilling performances from top players throughout the event.




