The Australian Open begins on Sunday with a draw between defending champion Madison Keys and Jannik Sinner. However can each be repeated? Sinner is much extra doubtless to take action, however he might be competing towards No. 1-ranked Carlos Alcaraz as they proceed their epic rivalry.
And on the ladies’s facet, Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff and Amanda Anisimova are presently the highest 4 gamers on the earth, with Sabalenka already a two-time champion in Melbourne.
We surveyed our consultants and requested them for his or her picks and greatest betting ideas.
Who do you assume will win the ladies’s singles title and why?
Jake Michaels: Sabalenka’s unbeaten run on the Australian Open got here to a dramatic finish in final 12 months’s closing, however there isn’t any doubt that she stays the best laborious court docket participant on the ladies’s tour. The 27-year-old world No. 1 has appeared within the finals of the final six laborious court docket main tournaments, successful 4 of them. Sabalenka arrived in Melbourne in fine condition, having simply gained the Brisbane Worldwide with out dropping a set. At this level, it might be a shock if she wasn’t lifting the Daphne Akherst Memorial Trophy in two weeks’ time.
Jarid Barka: Whereas it might be a secure alternative, Sabalenka clearly deserves the help. The world No. 1 is seeking to bounce again from final 12 months’s heartbreak in Melbourne, and her athleticism offers her an actual edge in a lot of the subject. She’s burdened with expectations, however has confirmed to this point that she will deal with the strain on the largest stage. That being mentioned, Elena Rybakina is unquestionably harmful. She shoots the ball very properly, just lately gained 13 matches in a row earlier than dropping within the quarter-finals in Brisbane, and defeated Sabalenka twice in 2025. She can also be a former finalist in Melbourne and is unquestionably properly geared up to go deep once more.
Invoice Connelly: It is actually laborious to decide on towards Sabalenka. She’s gained 20 of her final 21 Australian Open matches and began 2026 on a excessive – defeating Keys, Karolina Muchova and Marta Kostyuk with out dropping a set (and even reaching 5-all in a set) in Brisbane – and the subsequent highest-seeded participant in her quarter is Jasmine Paolini, who has gained 10 straight units towards her opponents. She could should survive towards Gauff within the semifinals (she is simply 6-6 general towards the American). Whether or not it is Rybakina, Swiatek, Naomi Osaka or anybody else, whoever emerges from a crowded backside quarter of the draw might be extraordinarily examined. However that is Sabalenka’s loss.
Darcy Essential: Sabalenka is clearly the favourite right here and for good cause, however Gauff ought to positively be on this dialog as properly. Gauff, who entered the match additionally driving excessive, completed 2025 with the title in Wuhan, recording a powerful 6-4, 6-2 victory over Swiatek within the United Cup semi-finals. Nobody in Melbourne has a simple path to the finals, with Marketa Vondrousova (third spherical), Muchova or Emma Navarro (fourth spherical), and Mira Andreeva or Elina Svitolina (quarterfinals) probably troublesome, however Gauff nonetheless has a greater draw than the others and can most likely arrange a showdown with Sabalenka within the semifinals.
Gauff has confirmed time and time once more that she will beat Sabalenka when the stakes are highest, and this could possibly be no totally different. Gauff thrives in underdog roles. She feels that reaching her first Australian Open closing and even successful the title is properly inside her attain.
Who do you assume will win the boys’s singles title and why?
Michaels: Up till this level in his profession, the Australian Open has not introduced Alcaraz to his harmful, ruthless greatest. This match just isn’t solely the one main the Spaniard has but to win, however it’s also the one during which he – considerably unbelievably – by no means made it previous the quarter-final stage. Final season on tour was Alcaraz’s most spectacular, successful 71 video games, together with titles at Roland Garros and Flushing Meadows. He is gearing up for Melbourne Park and aiming for a profession Grand Slam. It might be courageous to guess on him!
balsa: I can not look ahead to the second when Alcaraz lastly completes a profession grand slam, and whereas it might completely occur this 12 months, I nonetheless have an excessive amount of religion in Sinner on the laborious courts. The Italian continues to succeed in new heights virtually each time he steps on the court docket – his velocity, baseline energy, poise and psychological energy stay unmatched. It is simple to see why the world No. 2 is aiming for his third straight title in Melbourne, and after capping off the 2025 season by defeating Alcaraz in Turin to win his second consecutive ATP Finals title, he might be laborious to cease.
Connelly: The final time we noticed Alcaraz or Sinner face off in an precise match, Sinner outscored Alcaraz 7-6, 7-5 indoors in Turin. Over the previous 12 months, Sinner is 49-2 towards non-Alcaraz gamers (and a type of losses was a third-set retirement), and Alcaraz is 52-3 towards non-Sinner gamers over the previous 9 months. They’ve distanced themselves so completely from the remainder of the sphere that it’s virtually unimaginable to think about anybody else successful the competitors within the close to future. The rivalry between Alcaraz and Sinner has gone forwards and backwards just a few occasions, however Sinner has gained two of the final three video games (completed) within the collection, so I’ll lean just a bit bit in Italy’s path.
Maine: My first response right here was to flip a coin between Alcaraz and Sinar. After all, nobody else has gained a serious title since 2023, and everyone knows that, as the 2 have met within the final three match finals. They’re clearly one of the best gamers on the earth and the fellows to beat.
However even on the peak of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic’s dominance, different gamers sometimes broke by. So, for the sake of curiosity right here, what about Daniil Medvedev? After a disastrous 2025 season, they gave the impression to be again on observe in Brisbane final week, regaining some much-needed confidence with the title win. If he can get previous Felix Auger-Aliassime within the fourth spherical and Alexander Zverev within the quarterfinals, that will arrange a matchup with Alcaraz within the semifinals. Alcaraz is definitely Alcaraz, however this would be the first match with out long-time coach Juan Carlos Ferrero. Medvedev can also be a three-time finalist on the Melbourne Video games. If Medvedev can win it, he may rediscover the identical magic that helped him defeat Sinner within the 2024 Wimbledon quarterfinals. Why not?
Which gamers outdoors of the highest 10 may spring a shock over the subsequent two weeks?
Michaels: Okay, he simply simply Exterior of the ATP prime 10 and a largely unknown identify in tennis, why hasn’t Medvedev rediscovered his greatest over the previous two weeks? After a disastrous 2025 season during which he managed only one win at Grand Slam stage, Medvedev began the brand new 12 months brightly by defeating the Brisbane Worldwide. He’s a three-time finalist at Melbourne Park and appears rejuvenated below a brand new teaching workforce and might be flying below the radar and dangerously, as he at all times does in Australia.
balsa: To think about transferring previous Sinner and Alcaraz, you want to have a look at gamers with actual weapons, maturity and perception – gamers who can actually pounce if the championship favorites fail. Medvedev suits that mould completely. There is a cause he is reached three finals in Melbourne, having already gained the title in 2026 and has a decent report of 7-8 towards two-time defending champion Sinner. He has the instruments to make it occur, so long as he has the suitable temperament. Additionally maintain an eye fixed out for Jiri Rehekka. The world No. 19 has three wins within the prime 10 in 2025, and it took Sinner, Alcaraz and Djokovic to cease him at three Grand Slams final 12 months.
Connelly: Medvedev is a transparent risk, particularly since he landed in Zverev’s place, precisely the place he wished to land for a stable run. Lerner Tien additionally performed on this quarter and has a 3-2 report towards Medvedev and Zverev (he beat Medvedev in Melbourne final 12 months). Each are price seeing.
On the ladies’s facet, the tour is so deep that any variety of gamers ranked in double digits may qualify. However I am primarily targeted on two names. World No. 17 Victoria Mboko has bounced again from her post-breakthrough funk (she battled accidents and misplaced 5 of her seven matches after successful the WTA 1000 summer season match in Montreal) and is again in prime type heading into the Australian Open with renewed momentum. She is among the few fighters who can match Sabalenka’s energy, and the 2 may find yourself going through one another within the fourth spherical. In the meantime, nineteenth place Karolina Muchova landed in Gauff’s camp. Though she has had little success towards People, she has reached the semi-finals of three hard-court Slam tournaments and defeated hot-tempered Rybakina in Brisbane. At any time when she’s wholesome and in rhythm, she’s a risk.
Maine: There are many girls who can wow, and given the depth of this tour, it is virtually sure that somebody ranked outdoors the highest 10, and even perhaps far outdoors the highest 10, will just do that. However as foolish as it might sound in a method, it feels price mentioning that two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka is right here. The No. 16 seed ended her 2025 main season by reaching the semifinals of the U.S. Open, her greatest efficiency since coming back from maternity depart in early 2024, and seems to have regained her confidence and hard-court dignity. She may face Swiatek within the fourth spherical, and if it is something like their iconic match at Roland Garros in 2024, we’ll all be wanting ahead to it – and perhaps it’s going to be a unique final result this time.
betting ideas
All odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook on the time of publication.
Who’s your favourite girl to win?
Pamela Maldonado: Aryna Sabalenka (+185). Sure, she is my favourite. Sure, it is boring, however sure, it makes essentially the most sense. Her draw minimizes early strain, her serve creates free factors in Melbourne situations, and her maintain charge separates her from the sphere. Sabalenka will be capable of keep away from lengthy rallies and preserve power all through your entire match schedule. If the floor rewards serve-plus-one tennis and the bracket avoids elite returners early on, the shortest value should still be applicable.
Andre Snellings: American gamers (+250). If I had to decide on one participant to win, I’d select Sabalenka. Nevertheless, DraftKings gives us this very attention-grabbing hedge guess. Final 12 months, all 4 Grand Slam finals featured American girls, together with 2025 Australian Open champion Madison Keys. No. 3 seed and 2025 French Open champion Coco Gauff, two-time 2025 main finalist Amanda Anisimova and 2025 U.S. Open semifinalist Jessica Pegula are all amongst DraftKings’ prime 11 favorites to win. Gauff and Anisimova every gained their quarter-finals and are favorites to advance to the semi-finals, with each Anisimova and Keys having big-hitting kinds which are well-suited to the quick courts at Melbourne Park.
Who do the boys assume is their favourite to win?
Maldonado: Jannik Sinner (-120). gross. I wished to select Carlos Alcaraz at +185, however the one I maintain coming again to is Sinner. He is 22-4 right here and has gained two titles as a result of he would not launch power early on. Concise factors, clear serve patterns, and no emotional detours. Alcaraz can outscore him on some days, however over seven video games, Sinner will get fewer breaks. This value is what has survived the final two weeks and why the market has stopped speaking in regards to the inevitability of expertise and value in Melbourne.
Snellings: Jannik Sinner (-120). Sinner’s report on laborious courts over the previous two seasons seems to be a typo: 92 wins, 6 losses (together with three championships and 4 laborious court docket Grand Slam closing appearances). He and top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz have turned Grand Slams into their very own personal head-to-head tournaments, successful the final eight majors in a row with 4 wins every. Alcaraz gained the 2025 U.S. Open, however Sinner is ostensibly the higher and extra constant participant. And the courts at Melbourne Park play at a quicker velocity than the US Open, additional demonstrating Sinner’s strengths and making him practically unbeatable on the floor.
What’s the opposite guess that stands out on the ladies’s facet?
Maldonado: Returning to the futures market, Amanda Anisimova (+900) caught my eye. This can be a play with surfaces and drawing. Her flat ball takes up time and that might be essential in Melbourne, the place situations are accelerating. This quarter has been unstable, with the highest seeds being drained and Anisimova’s ceiling in clear hitting matches being as excessive as a match win. You might be betting in your variance. This quantity requires timing and a scorching week.
Snellings: Naomi Osaka advances to the semifinals (+700). Osaka was as soon as one of the best hard-court participant on the earth, successful 4 of the six hard-court Grand Slams (from 2018 US Open to 2021 Australian Open) earlier than taking a break from the tour for psychological well being causes and giving beginning. Osaka made nice strides in her return final season, reaching the finals of the WTA 1000-level Canadian Open and the semifinals of the US Open. Based on DraftKings, Iga Swiatek (+140) is more likely to advance from this quarter, but when Osaka is taking part in at her stage, she nonetheless has the blockbuster sport to beat any participant on this floor.
What’s the opposite guess that stands out on the boys’s facet?
Maldonado: Daniil Medvedev gained the second quarter (+200). Betting is in search of merchandise with the unsuitable value, and I consider that is certainly one of them. He’s off to a powerful begin in 2026 with a 5-0 win over Brisbane and a 14-8 lead in his head-to-head with Alexander Zverev (the 2 may probably meet within the quarter-finals). This quarter is all about who can take in the strain of 5 or extra units. Medvedev’s return profile, elasticity and willingness to increase rallies forces opponents to hit additional balls. Zverev’s serve retains him alive, however as soon as matched to the drag, his returns do not add sufficient stress, leaving him susceptible on draw passes. In sections constructed with attrition, Medi survives extra typically. With plus cash, that is a guess.
Snellings: Alex de Minaur advances to the semifinals (+900). De Minaur is Australia’s prime seed and carries the hopes of his nation at this match, having spent the previous two years knocking loudly on the door to succeed in his first Grand Slam semi-final. De Minaur has reached the quarterfinals of 5 of the previous seven Grand Slam tournaments, together with the 2025 Australian Open. He’s in the identical quarter as No. 1 general seed Carlos Alcaraz, however this was Alcaraz’s least profitable main. In actual fact, Alcaraz himself has by no means reached the semifinals of the Australian Open. It is a robust draw for de Minaur, however this could possibly be the match he lastly breaks by and earns one of many key quarter-final spots.
Who’s one of the best guess to win the ladies’s title?
Maldonado: Though not an important likelihood when it comes to odds, Mira Andreeva (+1600) stands out. She has fast ball management and return depth, which is a big asset. Her part is unstable on the prime and has a cracked door. She would not depend on serving haters or successful streaks, which permits her to excel within the time it takes over two weeks. Moreover, she is unusually mentally steady for a younger participant and doesn’t panic even when matches are shut.
Snellings: Victoria Mboko (+3500) burst onto the scene final 12 months on the age of 18 and made headlines along with her win on the WTA1000-level Canadian Open, defeating Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina and Naomi Osaka alongside the way in which. Mboko was named the 2025 WTA Newcomer of the 12 months and is off to a powerful begin to the 12 months with an upset win over 2025 Australian Open champion Madison Keys within the Adelaide Worldwide quarter-finals. Mboko’s sport is constructed on energy with massive serves and forehands that play properly on Melbourne’s laborious courts, and he or she dietary supplements that energy with good motion across the court docket. She could not have a lot expertise, however she has the sport to be a future Grand Slam champion…and the long run could possibly be now.
Who’s one of the best guess to win the boys’s title?
Maldonado: Please do not come at me as a result of that is actually a longshot: Hubert Hurkacz (+100000). I simply laughed after I noticed that myself. He has serve dominance and brief level management. That is what his profile is all about. actually. His district is stuffed with names, however no murderers – and that is the distinction. Over 5 units, his serve stays invaluable even when he is down, which makes change his good friend. Is he one of the best participant? No. Can his sport get by seven video games with minimal leakage? If his serve is on hearth, then sure.
Snellings: Novak Djokovic (+1600). It is wonderful how Djokovic received so distant from successful the Australian Open so rapidly. Djokovic is essentially the most dominant participant in Australian Open historical past, successful 10 of the 14 occasions he has performed the match, together with 4 of the final six. Djokovic reached the semi-finals of all 4 Grand Slam tournaments final 12 months and has reached the semi-finals at Melbourne Park in every of the previous two years. Age has diminished his endurance, and several other of his semi-final defeats (together with each in Australia) got here amid rumors of harm and sickness. If Djokovic can keep wholesome and match for 2 full weeks, he nonetheless has a match left to beat anybody on the Australian Open, together with Sinner and Alcaraz.
