Shevchenko out in second round of AO 2026

In the second round of the Australian Open 2026, Kazakhstani tennis player Alexander Shevchenko (world No. 97) lost to American Learner Tien (29) 2-6, 7-5, 1-6, 0-6.

The 20-year-old Tien is noted for his five-setters. In the first round, he stunned American Marcos Giron (51) in 3 hours 40 minutes, 7-6 (7-2), 4-6, 3-6, 7-6 (7-3), 6-2.

The match between Shevchenko and Sweden’s Elias Ymer (175) lasted 20 minutes and one set less: 3-6, 7-5, 6-4, 6-1. However, the Kazakhstani player also used up a lot of energy in hot conditions.

The match promised to be played to the limit. However, five sets were not needed this time. Tien immediately took the lead. Shevchenko was unable to break his opponent’s powerful, accurate serve and Tien also won long rallies more frequently.

At the cost of incredible effort, the Kazakhstani athlete took the second set 7-5 but lost the remaining three. In two hours, Shevchenko lost 2-9 in breaks, served 4-9 aces and won 76 points to Tien’s 110.

As a result, the third Kazakhstani player ended his run at AO 2026 in singles. Dmitry Popko failed to qualify and Zarina Diyas lost in the first round. Elena Rybakina, Alexander Bublik and Yulia Putintseva continue their runs in the tournament.