Valentin Royer vs Taylor Fritz Prediction & Picks - ATP Australian Open

Prediction published on 1/19/26, 9:55 PM  by Tyler Doty | Modified on 1/20/26 at 5:00 AM in ATP Australian Open Picks

Valentin Royer's 2025 season was one of blossoming. Winner of his first Grand Slam matches (second round at Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open) and a finalist in Hangzhou, the Frenchman was rewarded by entering the world's top 100, which automatically qualifies him for the main draw of most tournaments, including the Australian Open, where he will be competing for the first time this season. The world number 58 has struggled to confirm his new status at the start of the season, with two first-round defeats in Hong Kong and Auckland. This poor run does not bode well ahead of his first career match in Melbourne against a big-name opponent in Taylor Fritz.

A member of the top 10 for four seasons now, the American is a serious contender who has shown great consistency at the highest level. In Australia, the world No. 9 will be one of the outsiders of the fortnight. The Californian took part in the United Cup to prepare for this first major event of the season, with a record of three losses and one win. Still finding his feet, Taylor Fritz will use the early rounds to build momentum, and this first match against Valentin Royer should allow him to find his feet on the courts of Melbourne.