Alex Molcan defeated Stan Wawrinka 6–7 6–3 1–6 7–6 6–4 in the first round of the Australian Open on hard court on 16 January 2023, pulling off a significant upset against the heavy favourite. Wawrinka, priced at 1.30 to Molcan's 3.89, began strongly and took the opening set in a tie-break before Molcan levelled with a commanding second set. The match swung dramatically in the third, where Wawrinka capitulated, but Molcan's momentum proved decisive in the fourth set's tie-break and a dominant fifth frame. The Slovak's ability to recover from the one-sided third set and convert crucial moments in the latter stages demonstrated composure under pressure against an opponent of considerably higher seeding and experience. The victory represents a notable scalp for Molcan and suggests renewed confidence heading into the later rounds.