**Alex de Minaur Draws Spotlight Ahead of Key Australian Open Showdown**
Key Takeaways:
- Alex de Minaur faces Hamad Medjedovic in the second round of the Australian Open
- Bookmakers heavily favor de Minaur, though experts see Medjedovic as a potential threat
- De Minaur’s strong start in 2026 makes him one of Australia’s top hopes in the tournament
Melbourne — Australian tennis star Alex de Minaur is trending as he prepares for a high-stakes second-round match against Serbia’s Hamad Medjedovic at the 2026 Australian Open. Scheduled for January 21 at 09:00 CEST, this will be their first head-to-head meeting in a Grand Slam setting, elevating anticipation among fans and analysts alike.
Bookies Back De Minaur, But Experts Urge Caution
Despite being the bookmakers’ clear favorite, the matchup has generated buzz due to Medjedovic’s recent form. While de Minaur comes in with four wins in his last five matches and a dominant straight-sets victory over Mackenzie McDonald, Medjedovic has also won four of his last five and impressed in his four-set win over Navone, particularly under pressure where he saved six of seven breakpoints.
Analysts have suggested a value bet on Medjedovic covering the +6.5 games handicap, indicating that the Serbian is capable of pushing the match closer than odds suggest. De Minaur himself is in good form, having beaten Hurkacz and Mensik at this year’s United Cup, though he fell to Casper Ruud.
Australia Pins Grand Slam Hopes on Homegrown Hero
This match’s significance is heightened as de Minaur stands as Australia’s top male contender in the tournament. Last year, he made it to the quarterfinals before falling to Jannik Sinner. His ability to perform in front of the home crowd, as well as consistent results on the hard court, have raised expectations that 2026 may be his breakout year in Slams.
The matchup also highlights the rising quality and depth of competition at the Australian Open as younger talents like Medjedovic seek to upset established names. For de Minaur, a decisive win could demonstrate that he is ready to go deeper into the draw — or even vie for the title.
What Comes Next for De Minaur?
A victory over Medjedovic would place Alex de Minaur into the third round, where competition will likely stiffen. Given his current momentum and favorable draw, expectations are building that he can at least match — or surpass — his 2025 quarterfinal run. With other top seeds already facing challenges, this could be the year an Australian reaches the final stages once again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Alex de Minaur trending?
A: He is trending due to his upcoming second-round match at the 2026 Australian Open against rising talent Hamad Medjedovic.
Q: What happens next?
A: If de Minaur wins on January 21, 2026, he advances to the third round of the tournament with increasing hopes of a deep championship run.
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