Mackenzie McDonald vs Alex de Minaur Preview & Prediction | 2026 Australian Open | First Round
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Following the late withdrawal of Matteo Berrettini from the Australian Open, world number six Alex de Minaur will instead face USA’s Mackenzie McDonald in round one.
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 Mackenzie McDonald vs Alex de Minaur ticket information
Mackenzie McDonald vs Alex de Minaur prediction
Plenty of expectations weigh on the shoulders of home favourite Alex de Minaur, who will be seen as Australia’s best chance of success in the main singles competition. A quarter-finalist last year, the 26-year-old knows that he needs to take that next step this time around and has already benefitted from a slice of good fortune.
After being handed a tough first round draw against Matteo Berrettini, the Italian’s withdrawal through injury means that De Minaur will face an easier opponent on paper in American Mackenzie McDonald, who was originally beaten in qualifying but has made it through as a ‘lucky loser’. He has previously reached the fourth round in Melbourne back in 2021.
Despite this, De Minaur will be the clear favourite here and rightly so. His incredible speed and defence always prove to be an excellent weapon on the hard court and the accuracy of the Australian’s strokes should put McDonald on the back foot. In the end, De Minaur should win out comprehensively.
Mackenzie McDonald vs Alex de Minaur tip: Alex de Minaur to win
