Draper’s inability to compete opened the door for Vit Kopriva. The Czech’s sole previous main-draw appearance at the Australian Open came in 2024, ending in an opening-round defeat. He will face Jan-Lennard Struff in the first round of this year’s iteration, which both men probably view as a decent draw that gives them an opportunity.
Thiago Austin Tirante replaced Rune after the Dane’s decision to withdraw. The Argentine usually plays best on clay, but will try to demonstrate his hard-court talents in Melbourne. This will be his first main draw appearance in Melbourne, and he is set to face the home favorite Aleksandar Vukic.
Mackenzie McDonald received an opportunity as a lucky loser because of Berrettini’s inability to compete at the Australian Open. His joint-best result occurred at the year’s first Grand Slam in 2021, when he reached the fourth round. The 30-year-old currently sits outside the Top 100 after injury and form issues in the past 12 months, but remains a dangerous opponent. He will almost certainly need a great performance to have any chance of beating Alex de Minaur in the opening round.
Yannick Hanfmann, Carlos Taberner, Dino Prizmic, and Alexander Blockx were the other players who entered the main draw.
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
