All you need to know about the stats & odds ahead of Sabalenka’s opening clash.
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has won two titles and one runner-up trophy at this event over the last three years. The tigress of the WTA will open her account at the Australian Open 2026 against French wild-card Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah on Sunday night. Having narrowly lost out to Madison Keys on Rod Laver Arena in the 2025 summit clash, the top seed will be keen on making amends and regaining her lost crown. But it all starts here in the Round of 128.
Aryna Sabalenka is undoubtedly the hard court giant of the women’s tour. Across the last 12 months, the Belarusian powerhouse is averaging four aces per match and an 83% success rate on this surface. On the other hand, Rakotomanga Rajaonah is ranked No. 118 in the world. With the experience of merely three years and 200 matches on the professional circuit, the Madagascar-born 20-year-old has a long way to go. As for the four-time Grand Slam champion, every encounter comes as a mission to make a statement after her 63-12 record last year.
According to the tennis betting odds, Aryna Sabalenka (-10000) is the firm favorite in this Australian Open 2026 opening round battle, via BetMGM. Rakotomanga Rajaonah (+1400) is playing catch-up with massively inferior odds, via BetMGM. Here’s how we are betting on Aryna Sabalenka vs Rakotomanga Rajaonah, including our best bets, supporting odds and a set-score prop for bigger prices.
Tournament & Round: Australian Open 2026, Round of 128
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Aryna Sabalenka vs Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah Betting Odds
Given below are the latest odds for Aryna Sabalenka vs Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah from the top sportsbooks. We are looking at the match money line, game handicap and total games, plus some set betting markets where available.
Aryna Sabalenka vs Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah Predictions & Picks
Our Pick: Total Games <15.5 at -108
Sabalenka is expected to dominate this Round-1 encounter on Rod Laver Arena. The powerful baseliner is the world’s best player for a reason, and reached the semifinals or better at all four majors in 2025. Moreover, she is ranked 117 spots above her opponent in the WTA Rankings. While Rajaonah is very close to her career-best ranking, she lacks the intensity and firepower needed to test the two-time holder of the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup.
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Having gone 16-1 in first round clashes last year, expect Sabalenka to give it her all on Sunday night. We are predicting a scoreline of 6-1 6-2 or 6-3 6-0 for the top seed, meaning that there is a strong chance for the total games going under the 15.5 mark. At -108, this is a low risk best bet.
Aryna Sabalenka Recent Form
Brisbane International 2026: Winner
WTA Finals 2025: Final
Wuhan Open 2025: Semifinal
US Open 2025: Winner
Cincinnati Open 2025: Quarterfinal
Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah Recent Form
Jiangxi Open 2025: Round of 32
Guangzhou Open 2025: Round of 16
São Paulo Open 2025: Winner
US Open 2025: Qualifying
Roland Garros 2025: Round of 128
Aryna Sabalenka vs Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah Head to Head Record
There is no previous head-to-head record between Aryna Sabalenka and Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah. Their current rivalry stands at 0-0.
How to Watch Aryna Sabalenka vs Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah at the Australian Open 2026?
Aryna Sabalenka’s possible path to the Australian Open title
The Australian Open 2026 can be viewed live on a variety of streaming platforms and TV channels across the world. This includes Tennis Channel, Stan Sport, ESPN International, TSN, beIN Sports, SuperSport, Canal+, Sony Sports, Eurosport and TNT Sports – depending on where you are watching from.
Date
January 18, 2026
Time
19:00 Local
Tournament
Australian Open 2026, Round of 128
Surface
Outdoor Hard Court
Court
Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
TV/Streaming
Tennis Channel, Stan Sport, ESPN International, TSN, beIN Sports, SuperSport, Canal+, Sony Sports, Eurosport, TNT Sports
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