by William Burns
Friday, Jan 16, 2026The new calendar year has arrived and that finally means that it's the beginning of a new tennis campaign. Many tournaments have already started to get underway throughout the world of tennis with champions being crowned. But, as we head into the third weekend of January, one of the biggest events of the entire year will take place. 2026's version of the Australian Open. For those who don't know, this is one of four "Grand Slam" events held yearly which means that it's one of the top four tournaments every single year. Expect the unexpected.
Giant Opening Round Matchups:
Men's Best Matchup: Grigor Dimitrov vs. Tomáš Macháč
Even with plenty of matches to choose from, I do believe that this is going to be an absolute war in the opening round of the Australian Open. Both of these players have been ranked inside the top 20 in recent years with Dimitrov making it all the way up to #3 at one point. While both players aren't ranked in this year's Aussie Open Draw, this should be a great contest.
Women's Best Matchup: Katie Boulter vs. Belinda Bencic (10)
Katie Boulter normally likes the faster courts and although she prefers grass, the hard courts aren't far behind. I believe that this is a very intriguing matchup with Bencic. I do expect the Swiss player to get through this encounter. But, don't expect Boulter to make it easy. This one most definitely could go three sets.
Even with plenty of matches to choose from, I do believe that this is going to be an absolute war in the opening round of the Australian Open. Both of these players have been ranked inside the top 20 in recent years with Dimitrov making it all the way up to #3 at one point. While both players aren't ranked in this year's Aussie Open Draw, this should be a great contest.
Women's Best Matchup: Katie Boulter vs. Belinda Bencic (10)
Katie Boulter normally likes the faster courts and although she prefers grass, the hard courts aren't far behind. I believe that this is a very intriguing matchup with Bencic. I do expect the Swiss player to get through this encounter. But, don't expect Boulter to make it easy. This one most definitely could go three sets.
Full Odds to Win the Tournament (via. DraftKings:)
Men's:
Jannik Sinner (-125)
Carlos Alcaraz (+170)
Novak Djokovic (+1500)
Daniil Medvedev (+3000)
Alexander Zverev (+3000)
Taylor Fritz (+5000)
Felix Auger Aliassime (+6500)
Ben Shelton (+6500)
Alex De Minaur (+6500)
Lorenzo Musetti (+10000)
Women's:
Aryna Sabalenka (+185)
Iga Swiatek (+500)
Elena Rybakina (+800)
Coco Gauff (+1000)
Amanda Anisimova (+1000)
Mirra Andreeva (+1500)
Naomi Osaka (+2500)
Marta Kostyuk (+2800)
Karolina Muchova (+3000)
Madison Keys (+3500)
Burns' Australian Open 2026 Projections:
In the Men's game of tennis, I do believe that we're going to continue to see what we've seen over the past couple of years now. #1 Carlos Alcaraz and #2 Jannik Sinner are simply on another level than the rest of the ATP Tour and I'd be shocked. Yes, I said it. I'd be shocked if either were knocked out before the Semi's yet alone the Finals. Both of those players are -230 or more expensive to win their draw and make the finals. That's outrageous.
For the Women, it's definitely more up in the air to decide the winner. I mean, anyone could win it. I do believe that the best of the best are always going to have a slight better chance, as the case in most things. Considering that this is the first "Grand Slam" of 2026, the better players will have the better chances as everyone is well rested. Expect brilliant matches from the 1st round until the finals.
Burns' Best Bets:
1. Who Will Go Further? Daniil Medvedev v Novak Djokovic (Novak Djokovic -190)
2. Amanda Anisimova to Reach Semis (YES +125)
