Alexei Popyrin vs Alexandre Muller Preview & Prediction | 2026 Australian Open | First Round
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The first-round of the Australian Open sees Alexei Popyrin face Alexandre Muller.
Start date/time:
Venue: Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia
Surface: Outdoor hard
How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN
How to watch online: UK – discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & Tennis Channel
Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Alexei Popyrin vs Alexandre Muller ticket information
Alexei Popyrin vs Alexandre Muller prediction
Alexei Popyrin is experiencing a tough period in his career on the eve of his home slam in Melbourne. He struggled towards the end of 2025 with a back injury, but a new year has not brought an upturn in form as he lost his first-round matches in Brisbane and Adelaide to Quentin Halys and Reilly Opelka respectively. Popyrin is on a seven-match losing streak overall and has not tasted victory since the first-round of the US Open, stretching all the way back to last August.
Alexandre Muller attempted to retain his title in Hong Kong at the start of the month and began his campaign with a win over Miomir Kecmanovic, but he would lose in the next round to Marcos Giron. A second successive defeat to Giron within the space of a week ended his hopes in Auckland early on.
Popyrin is low on confidence and Muller will create opportunities for himself if he extends the rallies and is able to frustrate the Australian for large parts of the match.
Alexei Popyrin vs Alexandre Muller tip: Alexandre Muller to win