As a result, Flashscore takes a deep dive into the draw, analysing which players have been handed kind draws, and who have been given the toughest routes to the final.
First quarter
Seeds: Carlos Alcaraz (1), Alex de Minaur (6), Alexander Bublik (10), Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (14), Tommy Paul (19), Flavio Cobolli (20), Frances Tiafoe (29), Corentin Moutet (32)
World number one Alcaraz has been handed a really kind draw. His quest to become the youngest man in the Open Era to complete the Career Grand Slam begins against Adam Walton, and then he is likely to face Yannick Hanfmann, Moutet and Davidovich Fokina (based on seedings) ahead of the quarter-finals. None should pose him much of a threat.
De Minaur, however, has a nightmare run on the cards. Former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini awaits him in a heavyweight opening round clash, before likely match-ups with Hamad Medjedovic, Tiafoe, and in-form Bublik.
Prediction: Alcaraz to beat Bublik in the quarter-finals
Bublik is enigmatic and unpredictable, and recently broke into the top 10 in the world for the first time. He could cause Alcaraz some issues if he turns up, but the Spaniard should have far too much for him.
Second quarter
Seeds: Alexander Zverev (3), Felix Auger-Aliassime (7), Daniil Medvedev (11), Andrey Rublev (13), Francisco Cerundolo (18), Arthur Rinderknech (24), Learner Tien (25), Cameron Norrie (26)
Last year's finalist, Zverev, has a somewhat awkward start to his Australian Open journey. He could face big serving duo Gabriel Diallo and Alexei Popyrin - who will have the support of the home crowd - in the early rounds, before potential meetings with Norrie and Rublev ahead of the last eight.
Auger-Aliassime - who ended 2025 so well - will be hoping to make an impact at the Grand Slams this year, but has a very tough first-round match against Nuno Borges. He could then face Juan Manuel Cerundolo, before another really tricky clash with Learner Tien. If he gets through them, three-time finalist Medvedev could then be lurking in the fourth round.
Prediction: Medvedev to beat Rublev in the quarter-finals
Medvedev will really like where he is positioned. He will not fear anyone in his quarter, and if he does come up against Zverev in the last eight, he has won six of their last seven meetings. However, I can see Zverev suffering an early shock, meaning Medvedev will come out on top in an all-Russian quarter-final.
Third quarter
Seeds: Novak Djokovic (4), Lorenzo Musetti (5), Taylor Fritz (9), Jakub Mensik (16), Jiri Lehecka (17), Tallon Griekspoor (23), Brandon Nakashima (27), Stefanos Tsitsipas (31)
Depending on his physical condition, with reports stating that he is suffering from a neck problem, this is a really great draw for Djokovic. Several players whom he typically always beats have ended up in his section.
The Serbian great, who is eyeing a historic 25th Grand Slam crown, starts against Pedro Martinez, with Terrence Atmane and Nakashima likely to be next. Mensik or potentially Hubert Hurkacz could be testing fourth-round match-ups.
Fifth seed Musetti starts against Raphael Collignon, followed by potential matches against Italian compatriot Lorenzo Sonego and Tsitsipas. A fourth-round clash with Fritz would prove to be a real problem for him, though.
Prediction: Djokovic to beat Fritz in the quarter-finals
Fritz, who is hiding as the ninth seed, will quietly make his way past the likes of Stanislas Wawrinka, Lehecka and Musetti to reach the quarter-finals. However, Djokovic leads the head-to-head with the American 11-0. If Djokovic is healthy, he will be able to see off Fritz, or potentially Musetti. His head-to-head with the latter is 9-1.
Fourth quarter
Seeds: Jannik Sinner (2), Ben Shelton (8), Casper Ruud (12), Karen Khachanov (15), Denis Shapovalov (21), Luciano Darderi (22), Joao Fonseca (28), Valentin Vacherot (30)
What an absolutely superb draw for the reigning champion, Sinner. He gets his defence underway against Hugo Gaston, with potentially James Duckworth waiting in the second round. Young star Fonseca might be waiting in an exciting third-round clash, but his fitness is up in the air. Khachanov could be his fourth-round opponent.
Shelton has proven that he loves the Grand Slam stage, producing his best performances at the four majors. Ugo Humbert is certainly a testing opening round match, though, while the retiring Gael Monfils and Shanghai champion Vacherot may be his next opponents. Ruud is potentially waiting in the fourth round.
Prediction: Sinner to beat Shelton in the quarter-finals
Frankly, it is hard to see a universe where Sinner doesn't reach the semi-finals with ease. His route to the quarters is straightforward, and he leads the head-to-head with Shelton 8-1. He is in another stratosphere completely.
Semi-final and final predictions
Semi-final 1: Carlos Alcaraz beats Daniil Medvedev
Semi-final 2: Jannik Sinner beats Novak Djokovic
Final: Jannik Sinner beats Carlos Alcaraz
It is super boring to say, but anything other than a 'Sincaraz' final would be a major shock. The pair are so far ahead of the chasing pack, and even the semi-finals could be pretty one-sided affairs.
Medvedev becoming a force at Slams once more and 38-year-old Djokovic defying Father Time again are both great stories, but they no longer have the tools to hurt the world's best two players.
The reason I lean towards Sinner in the final is a couple of reasons. One of them is that it'll be Alcaraz's first final against Sinner without Juan Carlos Ferrero, who left during the off-season. It is hard to know how deep the Spaniard can go against his arch-rival without the comfort of his long-term coach in his box.
Another factor is the pressure on Alcaraz. There is serious history on the line for him this time around, potentially becoming the youngest man in history to complete the Career Grand Slam. You do not want to be feeling nerves and off your game against the relentless, ice-cold Sinner.
Even though Alcaraz leads the head-to-head 10-6 and won four of their six meetings in 2025, there were asterisks next to some of those results last year, with Sinner returning from a lengthy ban in Rome, retiring ill in Cincinnati, and Alcaraz producing one of tennis' biggest ever miracles at Roland Garros.
The Italian is a two-time Australian Open champion and the best player in the world on hard courts. For all these reasons, I think Sinner will win the title for a third straight time, picking up his fifth Grand Slam title in the process. But of course, write Alcaraz off at your peril.