Betting tips from AI for Elise Mertens vs Nikola Bartunkova, 24 January 2026.

Elise Mertens arrives as the clear favorite backed heavily by markets and analysts – the news notes traders piling on her after a steady Grand Slam run. Her veteran experience, consistent return game and ability to absorb pressure should let her dictate rallies against the less-proven Nikola Bartunkova.

Book odds are stacked: 1.24 for Mertens versus 4.55 for Bartunkova. The price is short (you need roughly an 81%+ win probability to breakeven on a $1 bet), but form, mental edge on the big stage and market momentum make Elise the smart, lower-variance play here.

Elise Mertens enters this Australian Open clash as an undeniable favorite against Nikola Bartunkova, and for good reason. The bookmakers have Mertens at 1.24, a clear indicator of her dominance, while Bartunkova sits as a significant underdog at 4.55. Prediction markets echo this sentiment, heavily backing Mertens due to her superior experience on the big stage.

Analysts have highlighted Mertens' steady run deep into the draw, showcasing her consistent form. While Bartunkova is a talented youngster fighting to prove she's no pushover, the gulf in experience and current form makes Mertens the overwhelming choice. The smart play is to side with the veteran who has demonstrated consistent performance and big-match temperament.

The odds tell a compelling story in this Australian Open matchup, with Elise Mertens entering as a substantial 1.24 favorite against Nikola Bartunkova at 4.55. This gap reflects Mertens' wealth of experience on the grand slam stage.

Mertens has been making a steady, impressive run through the tournament, showcasing the consistency that has kept her relevant at major championships. Her tactical approach and mental fortitude give her a significant edge over her younger opponent.

Bartunkova, while talented, faces an uphill battle against the Belgian veteran. The prediction markets have aligned strongly with Mertens, suggesting smart money recognizes the likely outcome here. While Bartunkova will be eager to prove the odds wrong, the gap in big-match experience appears too substantial to overcome.

Expect Mertens to control the tempo from the baseline, limiting Bartunkova's opportunities to establish rhythm. The value bet here remains with the favorite despite the short price.

Elise Mertens steps onto the court as the clear favorite in this Australian Open women's matchup against the young Czech talent Nikola Bartunkova. With odds listed at 1.24 for Mertens and 4.55 for Bartunkova, the market reflects her edge in experience and consistency on hard courts.

Mertens has been on a steady run, navigating deep into the draw with her reliable baseline game and mental toughness honed over years on the tour. Analysts point to her ability to overpower opponents in straight sets, especially against less seasoned players like Bartunkova, who, despite flashes of promise, faces an uphill battle in her first major deep run.

Prediction markets are overwhelmingly backing the Belgian veteran, and for good reason—her superior ranking and big-stage poise should see her through in a controlled victory. Betting on Mertens here offers value in a low-risk play for steady returns.

Elise Mertens storms into this Australian Open match as a commanding favorite, with bookmakers pegging her at 1.24. This lopsided line underscores her veteran poise and deep tournament experience, which news reports confirm as traders heavily back her to dominate.

Nikola Bartunkova, the Czech youngster at 4.55, aims to prove she's no pushover, but Mertens' steady run and superior stagecraft make her a reliable bet. For maximum profitability, riding with the market sentiment and Mertens' consistency is the strategic move here.

Elise Mertens, a seasoned veteran with a wealth of experience on the big stage, is set to face off against the young and ambitious Nikola Bartunkova in the Australian Open. The odds heavily favor Mertens at 1.24, reflecting her strong form and consistent performance throughout the tournament. Mertens has shown remarkable stability and composure, advancing deep into the draw with a level of play that suggests she is in top form. On the other hand, Bartunkova, while a promising talent, is facing a significant challenge. The lopsided odds of 4.55 for Bartunkova indicate that while she may have the potential to surprise, the gap in experience and current form is substantial. Given Mertens' track record and the current momentum, it's hard to see past the Belgian star in this match. Her ability to handle pressure and maintain a high level of play makes her the clear favorite.