The Australian Open qualifying rounds are always a crucible of nerves, ambition, and raw talent, and this year’s edition is already living up to the hype. As Melbourne’s summer heat radiates across the courts, a mix of established names and hungry up-and-comers are battling for coveted main draw spots. Tuesday, January 13, 2026, saw the first round of qualifying conclude, with a few surprises and several dominant performances that have set the stage for even more drama.
Among the most anticipated matchups, Vilius Gaubas and Jason Murray Kubler are scheduled to clash for the very first time on Wednesday at 5:00 pm local time on the iconic Kia Arena. This encounter promises to be a fascinating battle between two players who have both breezed through their opening qualifying matches without dropping a set. With the stakes high and momentum on their side, both men will be eager to keep their Australian Open dreams alive.
Let’s rewind to how they got here. Jason Murray Kubler, the seasoned Australian campaigner, made light work of France’s Harold Mayot in his first-round match. Kubler’s 6-3, 6-4 victory was a masterclass in serving and clutch play. He racked up 71 points, including 25 winners and 4 aces, and didn’t concede a single break throughout the contest. His first serve was on fire, winning 83% of points when it landed in, and he was equally reliable on his second serve, securing 73% of those points. Kubler’s ability to save the only break point he faced and convert two out of eleven opportunities on Mayot’s serve highlighted his composure under pressure. As the stats show, "Jason Murray Kubler was very effective on serve to win 83% (25/30) of his 1st serve and 73% (16/22) on the second serve. This was the main reason for not conceding a single break during the match."
On the other side of the net, Lithuania’s Vilius Gaubas is making a name for himself with a string of strong performances. Ranked no. 129, Gaubas dispatched Nicolas Moreno De Alboran 7-5, 6-3 in his opening match. He was aggressive from the baseline, blasting 37 winners and firing 3 aces, though he did commit 2 double faults. Gaubas impressed with his serving, winning 77% of his first serve points and 59% on his second. He broke Moreno De Alboran twice, converting half of his break chances, and—like Kubler—never gave up his own serve. As the numbers confirm, "Vilius Gaubas was very effective on serve to win 77% (37/48) of his 1st serve and 59% (13/22) on the second serve. This was the main reason for not conceding a single break during the match."
Both players arrive at this do-or-die encounter with identical records in the qualifying so far: two sets played, two sets won, and not a single service game surrendered. While Gaubas scored more winners (37 to Kubler’s 25) in his opener, Kubler’s serving stats were just a notch higher. It’s a classic showdown between a big-hitting, confident young gun and a home favorite with a proven track record at this event.
The head-to-head between Gaubas and Kubler is uncharted territory—they’ve never faced each other on the main tour. That adds an extra layer of intrigue. Both have shown they can handle the pressure and the unique atmosphere of the Australian Open qualifying rounds. For Kubler, ranked no. 192 and with a best previous result of reaching the second round in 2023, this is familiar ground. Gaubas, meanwhile, is eager to prove that his rise up the rankings is no fluke.
Elsewhere in the qualifying draw, French hopes took a hit as Ugo Blanchet, Harold Mayot, and Sascha Gueymard Wayenburg all bowed out in straight sets. Blanchet couldn’t muster a single break point against Coleman Wong, falling 6-3, 7-6. Mayot, as mentioned, was broken early in both sets by Kubler and never recovered. Gueymard Wayenburg met a similar fate, losing 6-2, 7-6 to Tomas Barrios Vera. It was a tough day for the French contingent, but there were some bright spots: Hugo Grenier advanced by retirement after Daniel Galan pulled out, and Arthur Gea impressed with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Zdenek Kolar. Grenier and Gea will now face Mackenzie McDonald and Roman Burruchaga, respectively, in the next round.
Looking at the broader picture, the opening rounds have been a showcase for the depth and unpredictability of men’s tennis. The qualifying tournament is notoriously brutal—there are no easy matches, and the pressure can get to even the most seasoned pros. Both Gaubas and Kubler have shown they can hold their nerve, but something’s got to give when they meet under the lights at Kia Arena.
What can fans expect from the Gaubas-Kubler showdown? The stats suggest a tightly contested affair. Gaubas has a solid win-loss record over the past six years, winning 60% of his matches and showing particular strength on clay but holding his own on hard courts. In 2026, he’s 1-0 on hard, mirroring Kubler’s start to the season. Kubler’s resume is impressive as well: he posted a 39-16 record in 2025, including a 30-13 mark on hard courts, and he’s no stranger to the unique demands of the Australian Open.
Neither player has dropped a set in qualifying, and both have saved every break point they’ve faced so far. Gaubas has been slightly more efficient in converting break points (50% to Kubler’s 18%), but Kubler’s serving stats suggest it won’t be easy for the Lithuanian to find openings. As for the prediction markets, Tennis Tonic gives Kubler a slight edge, picking him to win in three sets, but the odds are close—reflecting just how evenly matched these two are on paper.
Beyond the numbers, there’s the intangible factor of crowd support. As an Aussie, Kubler will no doubt have the backing of the home fans. But Gaubas, with his fearless baseline game, has the tools to silence even the most partisan crowd. It’s the kind of matchup that makes the Australian Open qualifying so compelling—two players with everything to gain, nothing to lose, and a shot at the main draw on the line.
With the qualifying rounds heating up and the main tournament looming, all eyes will be on Kia Arena as Gaubas and Kubler battle for supremacy. The winner moves one step closer to the big stage; the loser will have to regroup and wait another year. For now, the stage is set, the stats are stacked, and anticipation is reaching a fever pitch as the Australian Open qualifying drama continues to unfold.
