The WTA Australian Open is the most unique Major, to me. Because it’s in early January, nobody has had time to build up to it or prepare for it through competition. For many competitors, it’s their first tournament of the year. This has always made it more interesting than the others, and part of why it has had so many unique winners. The setting and timing lend themselves to a fantastic tournament. Here are my best bets for these matches. Please share yours in the comments section.
WTA Australian Open
Wang – Ostapenko: Time 16:00
H2H: 1-1
Xinyu Wang vs Jelena Ostapenko kicks off our coverage. The two will meet for a career rubber match, as their rivalry is tied up at one apiece. Ostapenko took their first-round indoor match at the 2022 WTA St. Petersburg tournament. Wang took the 2025 Indian Wells second-round match on a hardcourt. Wang is 6-2 to start the year, all on hardcourt. Ostapenko is 1-2, also on a hardcourt.
Best Bet to Make
The books have Wang as the favorite, and I absolutely agree. Wang is playing better tennis right now, and she’s coming off a final at WTA Auckland. She’s also beaten Alexandra Eala and Iga Swiatek within her last ten matches, even if the Swiatek match was an exhibition. Ostapenko has been playing horribly lately, with only one win since August of 2025, and 2026 hasn’t been any kinder to her. Give me Wang straight at 1.75 on bwin. If you’re really feeling spicy, you can take Wang 2:0 for 2.75 on Bet365.
That being said, Wang winning is a value bet for sure.
Value bet/the best odds: Wang winning @1.75 @bwin
Siniakova – Anisimova: Time 16:00
H2H: 0-0
Katerina Siniakova will play Amanda Anisimova for the first time in their careers. Siniakova is 7-3 in her last ten matches, but she’s 3-3 in her last six matches. Anisimova is coming off a round of 16 showing at WTA Brisbane. While Anisimova is 6-4 in her last ten matches, the quality of opponents she has faced is well above Siniakova’s lately. Can Anisimova finally win a Major in 2026? We’ll find out.
Best Bet to Make
Anisimova is a 3-1 favorite in this match, but you’re going to have to bet on a correct score, over/under, or a prop bet to cash in on her. There’s simply not enough value in taking Anisimova straight. You can grab Anisimova 2:0 for 1.83 on Bet365, and that would be the wager I’d take. Anisimova should easily be able to overpower her. Siniakova already struggles with the mental side of the singles game, and Anisimova is at a level where she should be exploiting those weaknesses.
That being said, Anisimova winning 2:0 is a value bet for sure.
Value bet/the best odds: Anisimova winning 2:0 @1.83 @Bet365
Pegula – Kessler: Time 16:00
H2H: 1-0
Jessica Pegula and McCartney Kessler played their first-ever match back in 2025 at WTA Austin. Pegula won the final in straight sets after a first-round tiebreak. That win was one of three tournament titles for Pegula in 2025. It’s worth noting that Pegula has never gone beyond the quarterfinal at the Australian Open. Kessler won two titles in 2025, and this is only her third appearance at the WTA Australian Open.
Best Bet to Make
Pegula is a 4-1 favorite on most sites, and for good reason. She’s been pretty consistent here at the Open in years past. She also has a fine understanding of what it takes to play at a truly elite level. Pegula has yet to win a Major, but it feels like something she’s capable of doing. The breaks just haven’t come her way yet. Give me Pegula 2:0 for 1.73 on Bet365.
That being said, Pegula winning 2:0 is a value bet for sure
Value bet/best odds: Pegula winning 2:0 @1.73 @Bet365
Main Photo Credit: Jerry Lai–USA TODAY Sports
