Denis Shapovalov vs Yunchaokete Bu Preview & Prediction | 2026 Australian Open | First Round

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Denis Shapovalov faces Yunchaokete Bu in the first-round of the Australian Open.

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 Denis Shapovalov vs Yunchaokete Bu ticket information

Denis Shapovalov vs Yunchaokete Bu prediction

Denis Shapovalov has not played many matches so far this season, as he has only competed at one event in Brisbane, and that resulted in a straight sets loss to Raphael Collignon in the first-round. The Canadian picked up a couple of titles last season but his form was largely inconsistent on the whole. He made the quarter-finals in Melbourne four years ago, losing to Rafael Nadal.

His opponent Yunchaokete Bu has also featured in just the one match, having lost in the opening qualifying round for the Hong Kong Open. He was defeated by Nishesh Basavareddy in straight sets. Bu reached two quarter-finals on the ATP Tour last season.

Shapovalov’s superior weaponry on the hard courts gives him the clear edge, but he is prone to lapses in concentration and needs to be efficient from the off. Bu will look to extend the rallies from the baseline and force the Canadian into errors, but Shapovalov is a firm favourite to pick up his first win of the season.

Denis Shapovalov vs Yunchaokete Bu tip: Denis Shapovalov to win