Breaking: Bencic Favored Over Bartunkova in Australian Open Round of 64 Showdown
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Bencic Favored Over Bartunkova in Australian Open Round of 64 Showdown
- 2. Match specifics
- 3. Prediction snapshot
- 4. Head-to-head and betting odds
- 5. Performance and stats at a glance
- 6. Key facts table
- 7. evergreen insights for the Australian Open field
- 8. Unibet1.9053 %Pinnacle1.8454 %DraftKings (US)1.9252 %Typical spread: Bencic -1.5 games (Bencic expected to win by at least two games).
- 9. Player Profiles
- 10. Head‑to‑Head Record
- 11. Recent Form – key Statistics
- 12. Betting Odds & Market overview
- 13. Tactical Insights
- 14. Live Stream Details – How to Watch
- 15. Match Time, Court & Broadcast Schedule
- 16. Betting Tips & Odds Strategy
- 17. Practical Viewing checklist
- 18. Real‑World Example: Bencic’s 2025 Australian Open Semi‑Final
In a hard-court clash at teh Australian Open, Belinda Bencic, the world No. 10, meets Nikola Bartunkova, ranked no. 126, in the Round of 64 on Thursday.Bookmakers list Bencic as the heavy favorite at -1205, while Bartunkova sits at +650 on the moneyline.
Viewers can catch the action on ESPN+ and follow the rest of the tournament through January 12–31. Odds arrive courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook, updated to reflect the latest market movements.
Match specifics
- Tournament: Australian Open
- Round: round of 64
- Date: Thursday, January 22
- Court surface: hard
- TV: ESPN+000
- Live stream: fubo
Prediction snapshot
Based on the implied probability from the moneyline, Bartunkova is projected to win this match with a 92.3% chance.
Head-to-head and betting odds
- Bartunkova to win: +650
- Bencic to win: -1205
Performance and stats at a glance
Over the last year on hard courts, Bartunkova has shown a solid 7-3 record across four tournaments. She has won 61.9% of her service games and 47.2% of return games on hard courts. Her break-point conversion stands at 49.3% (35 of 71) in the past 12 months. In her most recent event before Melbourne, the Chennai Open, she fell to Kimberly Birrell in a three-set match.
Bencic has posted a 25-10 hard-court record in the past year, securing two tournament titles. She has won 277 of 380 service games (72.9%) and 142 of 374 return games (38.0%). Her 141 break points won on 302 chances (46.7%) ranks 19th for the year. In the Ningbo Open, she reached the quarterfinals before losing to Jasmine Paolini 7-5, 5-7, 3-6.
Key facts table
| Player | World Ranking | Hard-Court Record (12m) | Serve Games Won % | Return games Won % | Break Points Won | Most Recent Hard-Court Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikola Bartunkova | No. 126 | 4 tournaments, 7-3 in matches | 61.9% | 47.2% | 49.3% (35 of 71) | Chennai Open — lost to Kimberly Birrell 6-1, 1-6, 3-6 |
| Belinda Bencic | No. 10 | 12 months, 25-10 on hard | 72.9% (277-380) | 38.0% (142-374) | 46.7% (141 of 302) | Ningbo Open — quarterfinals, lost to Jasmine Paolini 7-5, 5-7, 3-6 |
evergreen insights for the Australian Open field
The matchup pits a seasoned hard-court operator in Bencic against a rising hard-court competitor in Bartunkova. Bencic’s greater depth on return games and higher service hold rate have consistently translated into late-round success in Melbourne environments. Bartunkova, while the underdog, brings a balanced game on hard courts, with notable serve reliability and efficient conversion on break points that could tip a tightly contested set in her favor if she leverages early momentum.
Analysts will watch how Bartunkova handles Bencic’s return pressure, while Bencic will aim to impose her rhythm early and seek opportunities to break Bartunkova’s serve in the opening innings.
What impact will this result have on the Australian Open’s top seeds and the early tournament narrative?
Two quick questions for readers: Who do you think will emerge victorious in this Round of 64 clash? Which statistic—serve hold, return efficiency, or break-point conversion—will most determine the winner?
Share your thoughts and join the conversation below.
Unibet
1.90
53 %
Pinnacle
1.84
54 %
DraftKings (US)
1.92
52 %
Typical spread: Bencic -1.5 games (Bencic expected to win by at least two games).
Australian Open R64 Preview: Bartunkova (126) vs. Bencic (10) – Odds, Stats & Live Stream Details
Player Profiles
Anastasia Bartunkova (World no. 126)
- Nationality: Russian
- 2025 season highlights:
- reached the final of a $75 k ITF event in Budapest (lost 6‑4, 4‑6, 6‑3).
- Quarter‑finalist at a WTA 250 tournament in Palermo, posting a 65 % first‑serve win rate.
- Holds a 7‑12 win‑loss record on hard courts this year.
Belinda Bencic (World No. 10)
- Nationality: swiss
- 2025 season highlights:
- Semifinalist at the 2025 Australian Open, defeating two top‑10 opponents.
- won the WTA 500 event in Dubai, posting a 71 % first‑serve win percentage.
- Holds a 23‑4 record on hard courts in 2025, including a 5‑0 streak entering Melbourne.
Head‑to‑Head Record
| Player | Meetings | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bartunkova | 0 | 0 | — |
| Bencic | 0 | 0 | — |
No prior WTA‑level encounter; this will be their first meeting on a Grand slam stage.
Recent Form – key Statistics
Bartunkova (Last 5 matches)
- Win‑Loss: 2‑3
- Average first‑serve %: 58 %
- Break points saved: 3/5 (60 %)
- Key win: 2025 ITF Budapest final (defeated top‑150 player 7‑5, 6‑3).
bencic (Last 5 matches)
- Win‑Loss: 5‑0
- Average first‑serve %: 70 %
- Break points saved: 12/14 (86 %)
- Key win: 2025 Australian Open semifinal over world No. 2 (6‑3, 3‑6, 7‑5).
Stat Comparison (2025 hard‑court season)
- First‑serve win %: Bencic 71 % vs. Bartunkova 65 %
- Return games won: Bencic 38 % vs. Bartunkova 32 %
- Aces per match: Bencic 4.2 vs. Bartunkova 2.1
Betting Odds & Market overview
| Bookmaker | Decimal Odds | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Bet365 | 1.85 | 54 % |
| William Hill | 1.88 | 53 % |
| Unibet | 1.90 | 53 % |
| Pinnacle | 1.84 | 54 % |
| DraftKings (US) | 1.92 | 52 % |
Typical spread: Bencic -1.5 games (Bencic expected to win by at least two games).
Price movement: Odds have drifted slightly in Bencic’s favor after her straight‑sets victory over a top‑20 player in the third round, indicating strong market confidence.
Tactical Insights
- bencic’s Strengths: Aggressive baseline play, excellent depth on both forehand and backhand, and a solid two‑serve game that yields a high first‑serve win percentage.
- Bartunkova’s Opportunities: Utilise variety and slice on the backhand to disrupt Bencic’s rhythm; aim to extend rallies and force Bencic into defensive positions, where Bartunkova’s superior court coverage can come into play.
*Key factor: Bencic’s ability to convert break points (86 % this season) versus Bartunkova’s lower conversion rate (48 %). Expect Bencic to apply early pressure on Bartunkova’s second serve.
Live Stream Details – How to Watch
| Region | Platform | Access Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | Stan Sport | Live streaming (mobile, web, TV apps) | AU$19.99/month or AU$179/year |
| United States | ESPN+ | Live streaming (web, app, Roku, Apple TV) | US$9.99/month or US$79/year |
| Europe | Eurosport Player | Live streaming (web, app) | €9.99/month |
| United Kingdom | Sky Sports | live TV & streaming (Now TV) | £25.99/month (Sky Sports Pass) |
| Global (outside above) | Australian Open official site (ao.com) | Free live stream with registration (geo‑blocked) | Free with ad‑supported model |
| Mobile | Tennis TV (App) | Live streaming on iOS/Android | US$4.99/month |
Streaming Tips:
- Subscribe 24 hours before the match to avoid last‑minute activation delays.
- Enable “HD” or “4K” (if available) on Stan Sport for the best picture quality at Melbourne Park’s Show Court 3.
- Use a VPN only if the platform is geo‑restricted and you have a legitimate subscription; unauthorized VPN use violates most service terms.
Match Time, Court & Broadcast Schedule
- Date: Friday, 25 January 2026
- Start Time: 16:30 AEDT (Australian Eastern Daylight Time)
- Court: Show Court 3, Melbourne Park
- Broadcast:
- Australia – Stan Sport (live)
- united States – ESPN2 (tape‑delay) and ESPN+ (live)
- United Kingdom – Sky Sports 2 (live)
Note: The match is part of the Round of 64 (R64) schedule; an updated match‑day program will be posted on the Australian Open official site 2 hours before tip‑off.
Betting Tips & Odds Strategy
- Straight Set Bet: Bencic at 1.85 offers value given her 5‑0 recent run and superior break‑point conversion.
- Game Handicap: Bencic –1.5 at 1.95 may yield higher returns if she wins by a clear margin (e.g., 6‑2, 6‑3).
- Over/Under 22.5 Games: Expect a total of 20‑22 games; betting the “under” at 1.80 is a safe play.
- First‑Set Winner: Bencic at 1.45 (high confidence) – she typically starts matches strongly, winning 83 % of first sets this season.
Risk Management: Allocate no more than 2 % of bankroll on a single R64 match; the early rounds can produce upsets, especially on hard courts where conditions favor aggressive returners.
Practical Viewing checklist
- Check your internet speed (minimum 5 mbps for HD streaming).
- Set up notifications on your chosen app for “Live” alerts.
- Prepare a snack and keep a glass of water nearby – matches can extend beyond two hours.
- Keep a betting slip handy if you intend to place in‑play wagers; odds often shift after the first break.
Real‑World Example: Bencic’s 2025 Australian Open Semi‑Final
During the 2025 semi‑final against world No. 2, Bencic rallied from a 4‑1 deficit in the second set, converting 5/6 break points and winning 7‑5 in the decider. The match drew 9.2 million live viewers on ESPN+, proving high audience interest for Bencic’s matches. This precedent suggests a sizeable streaming audience for the Bartunkova vs. Bencic R64 clash, making it a prime slot for advertisers and bettors alike.
