Learner Tien defeated Alexander Shevchenko 6–2, 5–7, 6–1, 6–0 in the first round of the Australian Open on hard court on 21 January 2026, confirming his status as the pre-match favourite. Tien dominated the opening set and closed out the match with two commanding performances in the third and fourth sets, though Shevchenko offered resistance in the second set before Tien reasserted control. The American's comfortable victory across three of four sets underscores his form at the season's opening Grand Slam and sets up a favourable path through the early rounds.