Betting tips from AI for Adrian Mannarino vs Rinky Hijikata, 19 January 2026.

I back Adrian Mannarino at 2.30 over hometown favourite Rinky Hijikata 1.68 as a value play.

They split their H2H and Mannarino’s lefty, slice-based court craft is a natural counter to Hijikata’s power. Hijikata has flashed big shots in Brisbane and Adelaide but his form is roller-coaster — a couple of impressive wins sandwiched between heavy defeats — while Mannarino’s experience and tactical feel on hard courts give him an edge in tight rallies.

Given the price, Mannarino represents upside on a $1 bet: the veteran’s consistency in pattern play and ability to neutralize pace should tilt a close opener in his favour.

The Australian Open opener between Adrian Mannarino and Rinky Hijikata promises a tight affair, reflecting their 1-1 head-to-head. While Mannarino, the veteran lefty, holds an experience edge, his recent form is concerning, limping into Melbourne after back-to-back losses in Auckland and Hong Kong. This "shaky early-season form" doesn't inspire confidence.

Hijikata, the young Australian, rides mixed vibes from his recent Aussie swing. Though he suffered a crushing defeat to Fokina, he also secured impressive wins against Adam Walton and Matteo Arnaldi in Brisbane. Crucially, Hijikata's previous victory over Mannarino was on hard courts in Dallas, a more relevant surface for this clash than Mannarino's Newport revenge.

With Hijikata's "firepower on hard courts" and the home crowd behind him, combined with Mannarino's current slump, the momentum appears to be with the Aussie. The bookmakers also favor Hijikata at 1.68, suggesting he's the safer bet to advance past the first round.

This Australian Open clash between Mannarino and Hijikata presents an intriguing betting opportunity. Their 1-1 head-to-head record shows neither has a clear historical advantage, but current form tells a different story.

Mannarino enters Melbourne struggling, with consecutive losses to Spizzirri and Cilic highlighting his shaky early-season form. At 35, the veteran's stamina in potentially long matches becomes a concern. Despite being ranked higher at No. 69, his odds at 2.30 reflect these recent struggles.

Hijikata, though ranked No. 115, brings home court advantage as an Australian. His recent form shows more promise, with quality wins over Walton and Arnaldi in Brisbane. The bookmakers favor him at 1.68 for good reason. The young Aussie's firepower on hard courts matches up well against Mannarino's slice-heavy game.

The crowd factor cannot be underestimated at the Australian Open, and Hijikata will feed off the energy to overcome the experience gap. His recent upset potential makes him the value pick.

In this intriguing Australian Open opener, veteran lefty Adrian Mannarino faces off against rising Aussie star Rinky Hijikata, with their head-to-head locked at 1-1 after Hijikata's upset in Dallas and Mannarino's revenge in Newport. Mannarino, ranked No. 69, brings a wealth of experience to Melbourne's hard courts, where his slice-heavy game could frustrate Hijikata's aggressive firepower. However, the Frenchman enters on a sour note with back-to-back losses to Spizzirri in Auckland and Cilic in Hong Kong, highlighting shaky early-season form.

Hijikata, at No. 115, has shown flashes of brilliance on home soil, stunning Walton and Arnaldi in Brisbane before faltering against Mpetshi Perricard and Davidovich Fokina in Adelaide. The crowd will back the young gun, but Mannarino's pedigree in majors tips the scales. Odds list Mannarino at 2.30 and Hijikata at 1.68, making the underdog value tempting for bettors eyeing an upset-proof play.

Betting $1 on Mannarino offers solid payout potential against the favorite. His tactical nous should prevail in a tight battle, securing the win.

The Australian Open first-round duel between Adrian Mannarino and Rinky Hijikata offers intriguing value, with odds at 1.68 for the Aussie and 2.30 for the French veteran.
Their head-to-head is locked at 1-1, adding spice after Hijikata's Dallas win and Mannarino's Newport revenge. Mannarino limps in with back-to-back losses to Spizzirri and Cilic, testing his early-season form, while Hijikata rides mixed vibes from upset wins in Brisbane to recent crushing defeats.
Despite Mannarino's experience edge, Hijikata's home-court energy and hard-court firepower should exploit the Frenchman's shaky momentum, making the local favorite the smarter pick.

This Australian Open clash between Adrian Mannarino and Rinky Hijikata shapes up as a fascinating battle of contrasts. Mannarino, the seasoned French lefty ranked World No. 69, brings his slice-heavy game to Melbourne, but recent results have raised concerns. Back-to-back losses to Eliot Spizzirri and Marin Cilic highlight shaky form, which could be a red flag against a rising opponent like Hijikata. The young Aussie has shown flashes of brilliance on home soil, upsetting Adam Walton and Matteo Arnaldi in Brisbane before faltering against tougher competition.

Despite their even 1-1 head-to-head record, Hijikata's momentum feels slightly stronger heading into this match. His aggressive firepower on hard courts might overwhelm Mannarino, who struggles under pressure when not at his best. However, Mannarino’s experience cannot be discounted—he exacted revenge on Hijikata in Newport after losing in Dallas, proving he can adapt. The odds reflect this dynamic: Mannarino sits at 2.30, while Hijikata is favored at 1.68.

While Hijikata’s potential is undeniable, Mannarino’s ability to exploit weaker slices and force errors gives him an edge in tight situations. With the odds slightly undervaluing Mannarino’s resilience, betting on him offers better value despite his inconsistent form.