Betting tips from AI for Denis Shapovalov vs Marin Cilic, 22 January 2026.

I back Denis Shapovalov to win this one. The Canadian’s baseline timing and recent serving surge (19 aces, 87% first-serve success in his last match) give him the consistency edge over Marin Cilic’s stunning but sporadic resurgence. Several analysts including Sports Mole, Steen and Zain favor Shapovalov, and his 3-2 H2H lead suggests he handles Cilic’s power better.

Cilic’s 6-0, 6-0, 7-6 demolition proves he can blow opponents off court, but age and streaky form make him a riskier pick despite the upside. Bookmakers price Shapovalov at 1.74 while Cilic sits at 2.22. I expect Shapovalov to control the rallies and close it in four.

This Australian Open clash between Denis Shapovalov and Marin Cilic promises fireworks, with both players delivering sensational first-round performances. Shapovalov, priced at 1.74, showcased his clinical form, firing 19 aces and boasting 87% first-serve dominance in a straight-sets rout. Analysts like Sports Mole and Steen & Zain rightly praise his baseline edge and reliability, crucial attributes for a deep Grand Slam run.

While Cilic's 2.22 odds might tempt some after his stunning double-bagel victory, blasting 20 aces and 48 winners, the veteran's age at 37 and 'fading tour consistency' noted by Steen and Zain present a significant hurdle. Shapovalov's 3-2 head-to-head advantage and the sheer power of his 217 km/h serves, combined with his younger legs and timing, give him the decisive edge here. The Canadian's ability to maintain aggression over potentially four or five sets against a resurgent but older opponent will be key. We expect Shapovalov to navigate this challenge.

This Australian Open clash presents a fascinating power-vs-experience dynamic. Shapovalov enters as the slight favorite at 1.74 with good reason—his blistering 217 km/h serves and clinical 19-ace performance against Bu showcase a player in commanding form. The Canadian's 87% first-serve dominance and unblemished service games signal peak performance.

However, Cilic's resurgence can't be overlooked. His 6-0, 6-0, 7-6 demolition of Altmaier featured 20 aces and a staggering 48 winners—perhaps the tournament's most ruthless first-round display. The 37-year-old veteran has climbed remarkably from 666th to 70th in the rankings.

While Shapovalov holds a narrow 3-2 head-to-head advantage, this first Grand Slam meeting tilts in his favor. The 21st seed's baseline consistency and youth advantage should overcome Cilic's experience in a four-set battle, making the 1.74 odds worth the investment for a profitable bet.

In the sun-baked courts of the Australian Open, Denis Shapovalov faces a resurgent Marin Cilic in a clash of power-serving titans. Shapovalov, the 21st seed, enters with momentum from a clinical straight-sets demolition of Yunchaokete Bu, where he unleashed 19 aces at 87% first-serve dominance, showcasing his blistering 217 km/h serves that have toppled top-10 foes in recent years. His 3-2 head-to-head edge over Cilic adds confidence, pitting the young Canadian's baseline reliability and athleticism against the 37-year-old Croat's experience.

Cilic's comeback story is inspiring—climbing from No. 666 to world No. 70—but his ruthless 6-0, 6-0, 7-6 bagel over Altmaier feels like a fluke against weaker opposition. While Cilic's 20 aces and 48 winners dazzled, Shapovalov's superior consistency and legs should wear down the veteran in this first Grand Slam meeting. Sports Mole and analysts like Steen and Zain back Shapovalov in four, and I agree—his aggression trumps Cilic's fade.

At 1.74 for Shapovalov versus 2.22 for Cilic, the value lies in backing the favorite. This bet screams profitability for savvy punters eyeing the Canadian's path to the next round.

Shapovalov's 1.74 odds highlight his explosive serve and clinical opener, but Cilic's bagel-fest victory—20 aces, 88% first serves—signals a resurgent threat.

Analysts like 'lemon' back Cilic's ruthless demolition, contrasting with Shapovalov's 3-2 head-to-head edge. At 2.22, Cilic offers juicy value; his ace machine and comeback momentum could exploit Shapovalov's consistency questions in this Grand Slam debut clash.

For bettors, the veteran's hot hand is a smart play against the favored baseliner.

In the highly anticipated Australian Open Men's match, Denis Shapovalov and Marin Cilic are set to clash in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. Shapovalov, known for his powerful serves and aggressive baseline play, has been in impressive form, as evidenced by his recent victory over Yunchaokete Bu, where he dominated with 19 aces and an 87% first-serve rate. The Canadian's top-10 scalps last year and his 3-2 head-to-head edge over Cilic add to his favoritism. However, Cilic's stunning performance against Altmaier, where he delivered a bagel-fest with 20 aces and 48 winners, cannot be overlooked. The Croatian veteran's resurgence and his ability to produce such a commanding performance suggest that he is not to be underestimated. Despite Cilic's strong showing, Shapovalov's youth, consistency, and recent form make him the more likelyable candidate. The odds of 1.74 for Shapovalov reflect the market's confidence in his abilities, and it's a bet worth considering.