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Where to Watch Lorenzo Musetti vs Tomas Machac Australian Open 2026: 9Gem Channel, Brett Phillips Presenter & World Feed Commentary with Robbie Koenig and Wally Masur
The thrilling third-round clash between Lorenzo Musetti and Tomas Machac in the Men's Singles at the Australian Open 2026 kicks off at 23:30 UK time on Friday, 23 January 2026. For viewers in Australia and those seeking free-to-air coverage, tune into 9Gem, the dedicated channel broadcasting this high-stakes encounter from Melbourne Park. Presented by the experienced Brett Phillips, the broadcast utilises the renowned World Feed for commentary, featuring main commentator Robbie Koenig alongside co-commentator Wally Masur. This setup ensures top-tier analysis for fans across the UK, US, Australia, and beyond.
9Gem, part of the Nine Network in Australia, has long been a go-to for major sporting events, including extensive Australian Open coverage. While British audiences might typically look to channels like ITV, BBC, Sky Sports or TNT Sports for tennis majors, this match falls under the Australian free-to-air rights held by Channel Nine, making 9Gem the prime option Down Under. American viewers can catch it via ESPN or the Tennis Channel, often syncing with the World Feed, providing seamless access regardless of location. Streaming services carrying the World Feed will also beam this action worldwide, perfect for expats in the UK or US wanting real-time updates.
The match, scheduled at John Cain Arena, promises entertainment as these two evenly matched players collide. Musetti, ranked world No.5, faces Machac at No.24 in a rematch after Machac's prior victory over the Italian.13 Recent form adds intrigue: Musetti advanced past Raphael Collignon and Lorenzo Sonego, while Machac, fresh off an Adelaide title win against Ugo Humbert, ousted Stefanos Tsitsipas in round two.13 Experts are split—some favour Musetti's superior forehand and defence in a potential five-setter, others back Machac's momentum.12
Meet the Broadcast Team: Brett Phillips, Robbie Koenig, and Wally Masur
Leading the coverage is presenter Brett Phillips, a seasoned Australian sports broadcaster whose career spans decades in tennis and beyond. Phillips has been a staple on Channel Nine's tennis broadcasts, bringing his engaging style to the Australian Open for years. His background includes hosting major events like the Olympics and AFL, where his quick wit and deep knowledge keep viewers hooked. Phillips excels at bridging the gap between players' stories and live action, making him ideal for this prime-time slot on 9Gem.
The World Feed commentary booth stars Robbie Koenig as the main voice. A former professional player from South Africa, Koenig reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals in 1998 and notched doubles success, including a US Open mixed doubles title. Retiring in 2004, he transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting, becoming a fan favourite on the ATP Tour and Grand Slams. Known for his insightful stroke analysis and infectious enthusiasm, Koenig's calls elevate matches like Musetti vs Machac. His experience covering legends like Federer and Nadal adds gravitas to his coverage of rising stars.
Joining him is co-commentator Wally Masur, an Australian tennis icon. Masur peaked at world No.15 in singles during the 1980s and 1990s, winning six ATP titles and reaching the Australian Open quarterfinals twice. As a doubles specialist, he claimed the 1985 US Open mixed doubles crown with Liz Smylie. Post-retirement, Masur has carved a niche in commentary, working for Nine Network, ESPN, and the World Feed. His Aussie perspective, paired with tactical breakdowns, makes him a treasure for Australian Open audiences. Masur's history playing on Melbourne's courts gives him unique insights into how conditions affect players like Musetti and Machac.
Player Profiles: Lorenzo Musetti and Tomas Machac
Lorenzo Musetti, the 23-year-old Italian sensation, is seeded at No.5 and brings flair to the court with his one-handed backhand and point construction mastery. In 2026, he's shown resilience, reaching the Hong Kong final before falling to Alexander Bublik, and now eyes a deep Australian Open run. Analysts highlight his edge in forehand quality (8.6 vs Machac's 7.0) and return games, positioning him as a slight favourite despite injury concerns.2 His draw includes potential clashes with Taylor Fritz, Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, and Carlos Alcaraz—a gauntlet to the title.3
Opposing him is Tomas Machac, the 25-year-old Czech powerhouse ranked No.24. Machac exploded in 2026 with a 7-1 hard-court record, capped by his Adelaide triumph. His second-round win over Tsitsipas underscores his threat level, though fitness questions linger from past issues. With a 1-0 head-to-head over Musetti, Machac's serve and backhand could push this to five sets. Recent predictions vary, with some picking him in four.1
How to Watch: UK, US, Australia, and Global Access
For UK fans at 23:30 GMT, while primary rights sit with Australian broadcasters, streaming platforms like those offering World Feed (via Eurosport or discovery+) often carry late-night sessions. Australians switch to 9Gem (free-to-air on digital TV or 9Now app). US audiences get comprehensive coverage on ESPN2 or ESPN+, starting around 6:30 pm ET.4 Globally, the official Australian Open app and ATP site provide live streams, syncing with Koenig and Masur's feed.
Don't miss pre-match build-up on 9Gem, where Brett Phillips will preview tactics, stats, and pundit takes. Expect discussions on Musetti's defence versus Machac's aggression, plus hard-court records: Machac boasts 94-43 lifetime, Musetti building momentum.3
Predictions and What to Expect
This third-rounder could steal the show. TennisGrand predicts a five-set thriller, edging Musetti for freshness.1 VSiN backs Musetti ML in parlays, citing baseline dominance.2 Head-to-head tilts Machac 1-0, but never on hard Slams.3 With Musetti's draw leading to top seeds, victory here catapults him towards contention.
Australian Open Context and Broadcast Legacy
The Australian Open, first held in 1905, moved to Melbourne Park in 1988, becoming night's showpiece with its lights and heat. Channel Nine's rights, renewed through 2029, ensure 9Gem and 9Now deliver every match. World Feed production, standard for internationals, features voices like Koenig and Masur, trusted globally. For Brits, recall BBC/ITV's Wimbledon dominance; Aussies cherish Nine's Open tradition. Americans rely on ESPN's polished feeds.
Explore more: Robbie Koenig's career highlights, Australian Open history, and 2026 Australian Open details.
Whether you're courtside or couch-bound, Musetti vs Machac on 9Gem with Phillips, Koenig, and Masur promises unmissable drama. Settle in for baseline battles and potential upsets in Melbourne's heat.
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