Betting tips from AI for Alexander Blockx vs Marco Cecchinato, 13 January 2026.

Alexander Blockx is the clear pick here. The 20-year-old arrives on a 4-0 hard-court streak after winning the Canberra Challenger and carries aggressive serve numbers (3.92 aces/match) and a 41.9% break-point conversion that should trouble the 33-year-old grinder Cecchinato. Bookmakers reflect that gap: 1.05 for Blockx versus 12.55 for Cecchinato.

With long-term coaching continuity under Philippe Cassiers and recent form including two Challenger titles and Next Gen qualification, Blockx’s power and confidence should control rallies and pressure returns. I expect a straight, efficient win from the young Belgian.

The Australian Open qualifying rounds present a lopsided affair as rising Belgian star Alexander Blockx, with overwhelming odds of 1.05, looks poised to continue his dominant run. Fresh off a Canberra Challenger title and boasting a perfect 4-0 hard-court start to the season, Blockx is brimming with confidence. The 20-year-old, who captured two Challenger crowns and reached the Next Gen ATP Finals in 2025, has been touted by his coach for a strong Grand Slam push, riding his junior world No. 1 pedigree into Melbourne. His hard-court statistics are particularly impressive, featuring 3.92 aces per match and a potent 41.9% break-point conversion rate. This aggressive, high-impact game is tailor-made for the fast surfaces of the Australian Open.

Veteran Marco Cecchinato, priced at 12.55, faces a monumental task against the in-form Blockx. The 33-year-old Italian's clay-court prowess won't translate as effectively to the hard courts, where Blockx's power and precision are expected to give him a definitive edge. Given Blockx's recent success and superior hard-court metrics, he is the undeniable favorite to advance.

Alexander Blockx enters this Australian Open match riding tremendous momentum after capturing the Canberra Challenger title. The 20-year-old Belgian's perfect 4-0 hard-court start to 2026 showcases his growing confidence on the surface, where his impressive 3.92 aces per match and 41.9% break-point conversion rate should prove decisive.

Cecchinato, though experienced at 33, has historically struggled on hard courts, preferring clay where he's had his career highlights. The massive 1.05 odds favoring Blockx reflect this surface mismatch.

Blockx's trajectory is clearly ascending – two Challenger titles and Next Gen ATP Finals qualification in 2025 demonstrate his development under long-time coach Philippe Cassiers. Having reached a career-high ranking of 101 recently, this former junior world No. 1 appears ready for his Grand Slam breakthrough against an opponent ill-suited to challenge his powerful game on this surface.

In the opening qualifying round of the Australian Open Men's draw, 20-year-old Belgian sensation Alexander Blockx faces off against 33-year-old Italian veteran Marco Cecchinato on the hard courts of Melbourne. Blockx, riding high after clinching the Canberra Challenger title with a straight-sets demolition of Rafael Jodar, enters his Grand Slam debut with a flawless 4-0 record on hard courts this season. The Antwerp native, who reached a career-high ATP ranking of 101 last year and now sits at 115, has been a revelation with two Challenger crowns and a Next Gen ATP Finals qualification in 2025. His coach Philippe Cassiers, who's been with him since age four, credits Blockx's junior world No. 1 pedigree for fueling this breakout.

Cecchinato, the seasoned grinder known for his clay-court prowess, has struggled on faster surfaces lately, and at 33, he's no match for Blockx's explosive game. The young gun's stats speak volumes: he averages 3.92 aces per match and converts 41.9% of break points on hard courts, giving him a clear edge in this matchup. The odds reflect this disparity, with Blockx a heavy favorite at 1.05 and Cecchinato an underdog at 12.55.

For bettors eyeing value, the safe play is on Blockx to win outright. His momentum and superior hard-court form make this a low-risk, high-confidence pick in the early stages of the tournament.

Alexander Blockx enters his Australian Open debut riding a wave of momentum, having captured the Canberra Challenger title with a flawless 4-0 hard-court start. The 20-year-old Belgian's explosive game, highlighted by 3.92 aces per match and a 41.9% break-point conversion rate, gives him a decisive edge over veteran Marco Cecchinato.

With odds at 1.05, Blockx is a heavy favorite, but his junior world No. 1 pedigree and coach Philippe Cassiers' confidence in a Grand Slam push justify the steep price. Cecchinato's 12.55 odds offer long-shot value, but Blockx's form and hard-court prowess make him the smart bet for profit.

Alexander Blockx enters this Australian Open qualifying clash as a heavy favorite with odds of 1.05, and for good reason. The young Belgian phenom has been in scintillating form, riding high after securing the Canberra Challenger title without dropping a set. His dominance on hard courts is evident in his impressive stats—3.92 aces per match and converting break points at 41.9%—which should trouble Marco Cecchinato, who lacks Blockx's firepower and consistency.

Cecchinato, despite his experience, struggles to impose himself against rising talents like Blockx. At 33 years old, the Italian grinder faces an uphill battle against a player whose aggressive baseline game and serve prowess are tailor-made for Grand Slam conditions. With Blockx having recently cracked the ATP top 115 and showing no signs of slowing down, it’s clear he possesses both the physical tools and mental edge needed to dispatch veterans like Cecchinato.

The odds reflect this mismatch, with Cecchinato sitting at a distant 12.55. While underdogs can occasionally surprise, Cecchinato hasn’t shown enough recent form or adaptability to justify backing him here. Betting on Blockx may not yield massive returns due to his steep odds, but it’s a prudent choice given his overwhelming likelihood of advancing.