The 2026 Australian Open features a highly anticipated first-round match between World No. 9 Taylor Fritz and No. 58 Valentin Royer. This marks Royer’s debut at Melbourne Park, following a year where he participated in three Grand Slam tournaments. In 2025, he reached the second round at both Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.
Fritz, an experienced competitor at the Australian Open, has consistently performed well, reaching the third round or better in six of the past seven tournaments. However, he is currently dealing with a knee injury that could impact his performance this year. Despite this, bookies favor him significantly in this matchup against Royer.
Valentin Royer vs. Taylor Fritz Odds
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the odds for the match are as follows:
- Valentin Royer: +569
- Taylor Fritz: -820
- Total Games: 35.5 (Over -125 / Under -115)
Match Details
The first-round match is scheduled for:
- Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
- Time: 1:00 a.m. EST
- Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Player Histories at the Australian Open
Valentin Royer
This is Royer’s first appearance at the Australian Open. In 2025, he competed in three Grand Slam events but did not advance past the second round in any. This will also be his first meeting with Fritz.
Taylor Fritz
Fritz boasts considerable experience, with this being his ninth singles appearance at the Australian Open. He reached the quarterfinals in 2024 but fell in the third round in 2025. Despite his knee issues, he remains a formidable opponent.
Prediction and Analysis
Fritz’s knee injury raises concerns as he enters this match. Betting on the moneyline at -820 might be risky. Instead, predicting the total games could be more prudent. Given Royer’s inexperience in Grand Slams, it is likely he will struggle against Fritz.
Fritz may aim to secure a quick victory to conserve energy for upcoming rounds. He could potentially drop a set, keeping the match under 35.5 games. The odds suggest he is favored to triumph, making a straight-set win feel plausible.
Prediction: UNDER 35.5 Games (-115 at DraftKings)
Note: The odds are subject to change. For those experiencing gambling-related issues, assistance is available at 1-800-GAMBLER.
