First round action of the 2026 Australian Open spans three days, and the extended time gives tennis fans an opportunity to absorb great matches.
Four American men, under the age of 25, lesser known by the masses, have posted impressive first round wins, joining the trailblazer of their generation, Ben Shelton, 23, a winner in straight sets in his match, in the second round.
Keep an eye on Eliott Spizzirri, Ethan Quinn, Nishesh Basavareddy, and Learner Tien as they advance in this year’s Australian Open.
1. Eliott Spizzirri
Spizziri, 24, played tennis at the University of Texas. That collegiate experience equipped him for the loud Brazilian crowd when he faced Joao Fonseca in the first round. Fonseca is a fantastic player, but he is clearly not at 100%. He required medical attention for a lingering back injury that has sidelined him from competitive tennis since late last year. Regardless, Spizzirri kept his nerve and demeanor in a pro-Fonseca arena to secure the win.
Eliot Spizzirri upsets Joao Fonseca in Round 1 🚨
What a win for the 24-year-old American 🇺🇸👏 #AO26 pic.twitter.com/25JvWlWXnH
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) January 20, 2026
2. Ethan Quinn
Quinn, 21, took out a dangerous player in Tallon Griekspoor in straight sets.
Quinn 🤝 crushing it 🔥
He takes down Griekspoor 6-2, 6-3, 6-2… #AustralianOpen pic.twitter.com/cfWxbO0UZw
— ATP Tour (@atptour) January 20, 2026
Quinn is another college player who was a member of the 2023 NCAA Champion Georgia Bulldogs tennis team.
He turned pro in 2023 and has risen to a career high World No. 64 ranking.
3. Nishesh Basavareddy
Basavareddy, 19, continues the trend of American tennis players sharpening their skills in the college ranks before turning professional. He played at Stanford University. Basavareddy made his ATP debut at last year’s Australian Open where he lost to Novak Djokovic in the first round.
He defeated Australian Chris O’Connell in a tough five set first round win.
A first round epic 😅
Nishesh Basavareddy with his maiden Grand Slam win! pic.twitter.com/1DVRZu2EeJ
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2026
4. Learner Tien
Tien, 20, is the highest ranked American player in this group. At World No. 29, Tien enjoyed a fantastic 2025 season culminating with a win at the 2025 NextGen ATP Finals.
Coached by American legend and 1989 French Open champion Michael Chang, Tien took out fellow American and Californian Marcos Giron in a five set marathon.
Learner Tien played college tennis at USC.
Shots fired 👀😂
Learner Tien • #AO26 pic.twitter.com/oWZH7pH5Fh
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 19, 2026
