2026 Australian Open: Bartunkova Battles Bencic – Preview and Predictions
In the 2026 Australian Open, a compelling matchup is set to take place as Belinda Bencic faces Nikola Bartunkova in the Round of 64. This exciting match is scheduled for January 21, 2026. Bencic, currently ranked 10th in the world, appears to be the favorite against 126th-ranked Bartunkova.
Match Overview
- Tournament: Australian Open
- Round: Round of 64
- Date: January 21, 2026
- TV Channel: ESPN+
- Court Surface: Hard
Betting Odds and Predictions
Belinda Bencic enters the match with betting odds of -1205, indicating a significant advantage. Conversely, Nikola Bartunkova’s odds stand at +650, reflecting her status as an underdog. These odds suggest that Bartunkova has an implied probability of approximately 92.3% to win.
Player Performance and Statistics
This year, Bartunkova has performed solidly on hard courts, compiling a record of 7 wins and 3 losses. Her statistics include:
- Return Game Success Rate: 47.2%
- Service Game Success Rate: 61.9%
- Break Point Conversion Rate: 49.3% (35 out of 71)
On the other hand, Belinda Bencic has enjoyed success, winning two tournaments in the last year. Her hard court record stands at 25 wins to 10 losses. Key statistics for Bencic include:
- Service Game Success Rate: 72.9% (277 out of 380)
- Return Game Success Rate: 38%
- Break Point Conversion Rate: 46.7% (breaking opponents’ serve on 302 occasions)
Recent Form
Recently, Bartunkova faced a setback, losing in the Round of 32 at the Chennai Open against Kimberly Birrell with scores of 6-1, 1-6, 3-6. In contrast, Bencic has maintained her position as a leading contender on the tour.
Tennis enthusiasts can anticipate a thrilling encounter between Bartunkova and Bencic at the 2026 Australian Open. Be sure to watch the match live on ESPN+.