Betting tips from AI for Denis Shapovalov vs Bu Yunchaokete, 19 January 2026.

Shapovalov arrives in Melbourne with a quiet resurgence and clear intentions to push back into the top 10. His lefty power, improved serve and four ATP titles give him the tactical tools to dictate rallies and punish a qualifier on the big stage.
Bu Yunchaokete will be coming in with momentum from qualifying and resilience, but the experience gap on Grand Slam outer courts is significant. Bookmakers price Shapovalov at 1.52 while Bu is listed at 2.69. Backing Denis Shapovalov is the sound, profitable $1 play: his form and pedigree suggest he should close this one out.

The Australian Open presents a prime opportunity for Denis Shapovalov to demonstrate his renewed ambition. Fresh off a "quiet resurgence" and "brimming with confidence," the Canadian lefty, with his "four ATP titles" and "peak top-10 pedigree," is clearly eyeing a deep run. He's spoken openly about his desire for a "top-10 comeback," and this early-round match against qualifier Bu Yunchaokete is a chance to set the tone.

Shapovalov's powerful game and experience at the highest level should be a significant advantage over Bu, who, despite his "rising qualifier grit," is stepping into a different class of competition. The bookmakers agree, pricing Shapovalov as a solid favorite at 1.52. Expect the Canadian to leverage his superior firepower and big-match experience to secure a comfortable victory and begin his Melbourne campaign strongly.

Denis Shapovalov enters this Australian Open with renewed confidence and momentum. The Canadian lefty has been quietly rebuilding his game throughout 2025, showing flashes of the form that once propelled him into the top 10. While his compatriot Auger-Aliassime garnered more attention with his US Open run, Shapovalov has been methodically working on his consistency issues.

Facing qualifier Bu Yunchaokete presents a favorable opening match for the more experienced Shapovalov. The odds at 1.52 reflect Shapovalov's clear advantage, though they don't offer tremendous value. However, his four ATP titles and Grand Slam experience should prove decisive against the Chinese challenger.

Shapovalov's lefty power and aggressive style typically overwhelm less experienced opponents in early rounds. His stated goal of hanging with elite players like Alcaraz and Sinner demonstrates his competitive mindset. Bu at 2.69 is intriguing but lacks the weapons to consistently trouble Shapovalov across a best-of-five format. Expect Denis to advance comfortably.

Denis Shapovalov, the Canadian lefty with a peak top-10 pedigree and four ATP titles, steps into the Australian Open spotlight against qualifier Bu Yunchaokete. After a quiet resurgence in 2025, Shapovalov is brimming with confidence, eyeing a top-10 comeback by hanging with elites like Alcaraz and Sinner. His powerful left-handed game should overwhelm the rising Chinese challenger's grit on the outer courts.

Bu Yunchaokete, while showing promise as a qualifier, faces a steep test against Shapovalov's experience. The odds reflect this mismatch, with Shapovalov at 1.52 and Bu at 2.69, signaling value in backing the favorite for a straightforward win.

Shapovalov's rebuilt form makes him the clear pick to advance, blending flair and firepower in this early-round clash.

Denis Shapovalov steps onto the court with a clear mission: to reclaim his spot among tennis elites, fueled by a quiet 2025 resurgence that has him brimming with confidence. His lefty power and four ATP titles provide a stark contrast to qualifier Bu Yunchaokete's gritty but unproven game on this stage.

With odds at 1.52 for Shapovalov and 2.69 for Bu, the Canadian's top-10 pedigree and current form make him a reliable pick. This early test should see Shapovalov's experience and hunger outlast the challenger, offering a profitable bet on his path to a deep Australian Open run.

Denis Shapovalov enters the Australian Open with a clear edge in experience and pedigree, making him a strong favorite at 1.52. The Canadian lefty has been vocal about his ambitions to return to the top-10 rankings, and his 2025 resurgence indicates he’s playing some of his best tennis. With four ATP titles under his belt and a game built for hard courts, Shapovalov’s aggressive baseline style and powerful serve should overwhelm Bu Yunchaokete.
Bu Yunchaokete, while an intriguing qualifier, faces a daunting task against a seasoned opponent. Qualifiers often struggle in Grand Slam main draws due to the step up in competition, and Bu’s limited exposure on the ATP Tour makes this matchup even more challenging. While qualifiers can sometimes produce surprises, the odds of 2.69 reflect the bookmakers’ confidence in Shapovalov’s dominance.
Given Shapovalov’s recent form and clear intent to make a statement in Melbourne, backing him seems like the prudent choice. His ability to dictate play and close out matches efficiently should shine through, especially against a less experienced opponent. This is a prime opportunity to capitalize on his favored status without overextending risk.