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World No. 9 Taylor Fritz begins his journey at the 2026 Australian Open against No. 58 Valentin Royer, who is making his first singles appearance at Melbourne Park.
<!–qv q:id=5e q:key=vcaa:Royer appeared in three Grand Slam events in 2025, making the second round at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. Now, he faces a tough first-round matchup against Fritz, who has made the third round or better in six of the last seven Australian Opens.
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Royer appeared in three Grand Slam events in 2025, making the second round at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. Now, he faces a tough first-round matchup against Fritz, who has made the third round or better in six of the last seven Australian Opens.
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Can the American, who is a massive favorite in this first-round match, take care of business?
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Can the American, who is a massive favorite in this first-round match, take care of business?
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He’s been dealing with a knee injury early on this year, which could hamper him in this tournament, but oddsmakers don’t seem to think that will be an issue in the first round.
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He’s been dealing with a knee injury early on this year, which could hamper him in this tournament, but oddsmakers don’t seem to think that will be an issue in the first round.
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Here’s a look at the odds, how to watch, each player’s history at Melbourne Park and my prediction for this match.
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Here’s a look at the odds, how to watch, each player’s history at Melbourne Park and my prediction for this match.
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Valentin Royer vs. Taylor Fritz Odds and Total
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Valentin Royer vs. Taylor Fritz Odds and Total
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Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.
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Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.
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Moneyline
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Moneyline
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- Valentin Royer: +569
- Taylor Fritz: -820
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- Valentin Royer: +569
- Taylor Fritz: -820
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Total
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Total
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- 35.5 (Over -125/Under -115)
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- 35.5 (Over -125/Under -115)
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Valentin Royer vs. Taylor Fritz How to Watch
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Valentin Royer vs. Taylor Fritz How to Watch
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- Date: Tuesday, Jan. 20
- Time: 1:00 a.m. EST
- How to Watch (TV): ESPN/ESPN+
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- Date: Tuesday, Jan. 20
- Time: 1:00 a.m. EST
- How to Watch (TV): ESPN/ESPN+
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Valentin Royer vs. Taylor Fritz Australian Open History
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Valentin Royer vs. Taylor Fritz Australian Open History
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Valentin Royer History
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Valentin Royer History
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This is the first time that Royer has appeared in the Australian Open, but he did compete in three Grand Slams (the French Open, Wimbledon and U.S Open) in 2025. Royer did not make it past the second round in any of those appearances.
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This is the first time that Royer has appeared in the Australian Open, but he did compete in three Grand Slams (the French Open, Wimbledon and U.S Open) in 2025. Royer did not make it past the second round in any of those appearances.
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He’s also yet to face Fritz in his career.
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He’s also yet to face Fritz in his career.
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Taylor Fritz History
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Taylor Fritz History
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Fritz has a ton of experience at the Australian Open, as this will be his ninth appearance in singles in his career. He has made one quarterfinal appearance (back in 2024), but he was bounced in the third round in 2025.
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Fritz has a ton of experience at the Australian Open, as this will be his ninth appearance in singles in his career. He has made one quarterfinal appearance (back in 2024), but he was bounced in the third round in 2025.
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Fritz has been banged up coming into this tournament, but oddsmakers still have him heavily favored against Royer.
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Fritz has been banged up coming into this tournament, but oddsmakers still have him heavily favored against Royer.
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Valentin Royer vs. Taylor Fritz Prediction and Pick
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Valentin Royer vs. Taylor Fritz Prediction and Pick
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Fritz’s knee injury is certainly a concern heading into this match, especially if you’re laying the moneyline price (-820) on the American.
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Fritz’s knee injury is certainly a concern heading into this match, especially if you’re laying the moneyline price (-820) on the American.
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Instead of that, I’m looking to the total in this match, as Royer is very inexperienced in Grand Slams, and he’s only advanced out of the first round two times.
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Instead of that, I’m looking to the total in this match, as Royer is very inexperienced in Grand Slams, and he’s only advanced out of the first round two times.
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Fritz may want to put this match away as early as possible so he can rest up, and he still has wiggle room to lose a set and keep this match under 35.5 games.
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Fritz may want to put this match away as early as possible so he can rest up, and he still has wiggle room to lose a set and keep this match under 35.5 games.
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Based on the moneyline, it seems like oddsmakers are expecting Fritz to win this relatively easily, and he’s set at +100 to win in straight sets. If that ends up happening, the UNDER is almost a guarantee early on Tuesday morning.
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Based on the moneyline, it seems like oddsmakers are expecting Fritz to win this relatively easily, and he’s set at +100 to win in straight sets. If that ends up happening, the UNDER is almost a guarantee early on Tuesday morning.
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Pick: UNDER 35.5 Games (-115 at DraftKings)
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Pick: UNDER 35.5 Games (-115 at DraftKings)
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Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
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Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
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If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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