Defending champion Jiri Lehecka will be in action on the second day of the ATP 250 in Brisbane against Tomas Machac in an all-Czech encounter. It is amongst several exciting matches on the cards as the season kicks off Down Under. As always, we offer our predictions on who will progress.
ATP Brisbane Day 2 Predictions
Jiri Lehecka vs Tomas Machac
Head–to–Head: First Meeting
Defending champion Jiri Lehecka returns to Brisbane after a decent 2025 season to face compatriot Tomas Machac in what will be their first meeting. The older Czech was compelled to withdraw from several tournaments last season due to fitness issues. Still, he demonstrated his talent on occasion, winning the title in Acapulco. After some time off, he is expected to be rejuvenated and remain a formidable opponent on this surface.
This is a tricky one for Lehecka as he aims to defend his title; therefore, he cannot afford to begin slowly against Machac, who will be eager to kick off his season with a notable victory. That said, familiarity with the terrain should aid the younger Czech over the line.
Prediction: Lehecka in 3
Valentin Vacherot vs Sebastian Korda
Head–to–Head: First Meeting
Valentin Vacherot crafted one of the most remarkable narratives in tennis history last season when he became the lowest-ranked player ever to claim a Masters 1000 title in Shanghai to catapult himself into the world no. 31.
He faces Sebastian Korda, who had an injury-plagued 2025 season, sidelined for three months with a shin injury, which dropped his ranking to about #60 in the world. However, his performance toward the end of the season was largely positive, and he will be aiming for better results in 2026.
There remain uncertainties about Vacherot’s ability to maintain his strong form from late 2025 into the new year, while Korda possesses enough talent to secure a victory.
Prediction: Korda in 3
Embed from Getty Images
Daniil Medvedev vs Marton Fucsovics
Head–to–Head: Medvedev 4 – 1 Fucsovics
Daniil Medvedev will be looking forward to a better 2026 as he prepares to kick off his season in Brisbane. The former world number one had a disappointing season last year, falling out of the top ten and winning only one Grand Slam match. After making a coaching change following his first-round elimination at the US Open, Medvedev saw improvements, clinching his first title since May 2023 in Almaty.
His first opponent will be Hungarian player Marton Fucsovics, who had an inconsistent season but won a title in Winston-Salem and reached the semi-finals in Bucharest back in April.
Medvedev holds a 4-1 advantage in their head-to-head matchups and is 1-0 on outdoor hard courts. Their last encounter was in the second round of Miami two years ago, when the Russian secured a straightforward straight-sets victory. He has a motivation to prove himself this season, which should begin with a statement win.
Prediction: Medvedev in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
