Mertens vs. Bartunkova: 2026 Australian Open Prediction, Odds & Match Preview
Elise Mertens, currently ranked No. 21, will face Nikola Bartunkova, ranked No. 126, in an exciting Round of 32 matchup at the 2026 Australian Open. Scheduled for Friday, January 23, Mertens enters the match as the favorite.
Mertens vs. Bartunkova Match Preview
The match provides a significant opportunity for both players. Mertens boasts impressive odds of -400, while Bartunkova’s odds stand at +280. This suggests a strong likelihood of victory for Mertens, with an implied probability of approximately 80% according to the latest moneyline data.
Tournament Details
- Tournament: Australian Open
- Round: Round of 32
- Date: January 23, 2026
- TV Channel: ESPN+7
- Live Stream: Fubo
- Court Surface: Hard
Betting Odds
- Mertens to win match: -400
- Bartunkova to win match: +280
- Mertens to win tournament: +900
- Bartunkova to win tournament: +5000
Performance Statistics
In the past year, Mertens has had a solid presence on hard courts, winning one title with a record of 19-12. She has been successful in 74.4% of her service games and has converted 44.1% of her break points (116 out of 263 chances).
Bartunkova has played in four tournaments on hard courts over the last 12 months, achieving a record of 8-3. Her service game success rate is 60.9%, while her return game success rate is slightly lower at 46.6%. She has converted 50% of her break points (40 for 80) over the same period.
Recent Form
Bartunkova’s last competitive outing was at the Abierto Zapopan in 2021, where she secured a victory against Nicole Fossa Huergo, ranked No. 269. She won that match with a score of 6-4, 6-2 but subsequently withdrew from the event.
As the two athletes prepare for this pivotal match, fans and analysts will be keenly watching to see if Mertens can leverage her experience or if Bartunkova will rise to the occasion. This match promises to be an intriguing clash at the 2026 Australian Open.
