The first round of the Australian Open concludes on day three, with some of the world’s top players making their 2026 Melbourne debuts. Eighth seed Ben Shelton will face Hugo Humbert in a closely contested first round match. Elsewhere on the ground, day three will see Jannik Sinner vs Hugo Gaston, Lorenzo Musetti vs Rafael Collignon, Taylor Fritz vs Valentin Royer and Karen Khachanov vs Alex Mikkelsen. Offering insights and predictions are Zain Mustafa, Ilemona Onekutu and Tope Oke. But who will step forward?

Australian Open men’s day 3 predictions

Luciano Daldelli vs Cristian Garin

Zain
This is a showdown between two true clay court players, so expect long rallies and potentially fierce battles. Cristian Garin has the advantage of experience, but Luciano Daldelli has been the overall better player for a while now and he should be able to score more points than his opponent on the terms, giving him the edge here.
Prediction: Dardelli, 4 years.

Iremona
Garin’s grinding style is breathtaking, but his biggest strengths are blunted on hard courts. Daldelli’s heavier forehand and willingness to step inside the baseline should allow him to dictate more exchanges.
Prediction: 5 years Dardeli

Tope
The two players, who both have South American roots and love playing clay, will face off on a hard court for the first time. Garin has more experience on the water, but Dardelli is the better overall fighter and should emerge victorious in this difficult match.
Prediction: Dardelli, 4 years.

Talon Greekspool vs Ethan Quinn

Zain
For a long time in 2025, it felt like Taron Griekspur had forgotten how to play tennis due to fitness and confidence issues. The Dutchman is still not quite back to form, but he should prefer a more rounded and aggressive match against Ethan Quinn, his first main draw match at the Australian Open.
Prediction: Greek Pool Year 4

Iremona
Quinn’s aggression is exciting, but often comes with inconsistent momentum. Greek Spur’s serve-plus-one pattern and cleaner shot selection will give him an edge when the pressure is high.
Prediction: Greek Pool Year 4

Tope
When he’s on form, Talon Griekspool is one of the toughest competitors on tour, but the Dutchman has been on a five-game losing streak this year, including three straight defeats. The talented Quinn will be lurking for opportunities.
Prediction: Quinn in 5 years

James Duckworth vs Dino Prismic

Zain
Dino Prismik lost to Novak Djokovic in this tournament a few years ago and showed great potential, but physical problems and instability held him back. Entering the draw as the lucky loser should give him the confidence to play freely, but James Duckworth’s experience and home support may be a bridge too far for the Croatian.
Prediction: Duckworth 5 years

Iremona
Prismic’s intensity is undeniable, but Duckworth’s familiarity with the conditions and crowd energy gives him a subtle edge. That comfort should help him manage momentum swings and finish tight sets.
Prediction: Duckworth 4 years.

Tope
Dino Prismic has shown the ability to dominate at lower levels, but repeated fitness issues have prevented his transition to the main tour. This lack of experience on the big stage definitely tilts the advantage in James Duckworth’s favor, especially on Melbourne’s hard courts.
Prediction: Duckworth in 3 years.

Ben Shelton vs Hugo Humbert

Zain
Despite being a top-eight seed, Ben Shelton had to face another big-serving left-hander, Hugo Humbert, so it couldn’t have been a tougher draw. The big blow against Humbert is that Shelton can’t handle the five-set tennis that he excelled at during his young career. Still, while Shelton is coming back to form after suffering a serious injury, Humbert looked in great shape in Adelaide, which was enough for him to aim for an upset.
Prediction: Humbert at 4

Iremona
Both thrive on quick points, but Shelton’s left-handed pattern and flat return are better suited to neutralize the pace. If the rally extends beyond a first strike, his coatcraft should quietly assert control.
Prediction: Shelton at 5 minutes.

Tope
Ben Shelton looked the most vulnerable he’s been since his breakout season a few years ago. He finished last season on a four-game losing streak and surprisingly lost last week’s match against Sebastian Baez in Oakland. Meanwhile, Humbert arrives after a busy week, finishing runners-up in Adelaide. The Frenchman has suffered three first-round exits in Melbourne and has a dismal record of 1-6 against top 10 players in the majors. The omens are not in his favor.
Prediction: Shelton 4th.

Main photo credit: Danielle Parhizkaran – USA TODAY Sports