Betting tips from AI for Dusan Lajovic vs Francesco Maestrelli, 15 January 2026.

Dusan Lajovic profiles as the safer play here. The veteran Serb arrives with the experience edge, a prior win over Francesco Maestrelli in their only meeting last June at Sassuolo Challenger, and a game built to control baseline rallies on Melbourne hard courts. Bookmakers make him the favorite at 1.70 while Maestrelli is the underdog at 2.19.

Maestrelli can disrupt with early net rushes, but Lajovic’s recent qualifying form and tendency to push totals above 12.5 games in big matches suggest he’ll handle pressure and convert key moments. For a $1 match-outcome stake, backing Lajovic is the pragmatic, value-driven choice.

Dusan Lajovic enters this Australian Open qualifier final as the clear favorite, priced at 1.70 against Francesco Maestrelli's 2.19. The veteran Serb holds a significant edge, having defeated Maestrelli in straight sets during their sole prior encounter. This head-to-head advantage, coupled with Lajovic's recent "solid straight-sets progress" in qualifying, suggests he's in good form.

Analysts also highlight Lajovic's tendency to rack up more than 12.5 games in 10 of his last 11 Australian Open outings, indicating his ability to either dominate or grind out wins. While Maestrelli, ranked 141st, brings rising aggression and a desire for a main draw breakthrough, Lajovic's experience and baseline control are expected to dictate the match's tempo. The smart money is on the higher-ranked and more seasoned player to advance.

Experience should prevail in this Australian Open qualifier as Dusan Lajovic faces Francesco Maestrelli. The Serbian veteran holds a psychological edge after defeating Maestrelli in straight sets during their only previous encounter at the Sassuolo Challenger. At 1.70, Lajovic represents solid value.

Lajovic's Australian Open track record is impressive, hitting the over 12.5 games mark in 10 of his last 11 appearances. His baseline game is perfectly suited for Melbourne's hard courts, and his qualifying performances suggest he's finding form at the right time.

Maestrelli, despite being ranked 141st, is still seeking his main draw breakthrough. While the Italian's aggressive net play could trouble Lajovic, the Serbian's experience and consistency should ultimately prevail. Maestrelli's 2.19 underdog odds reflect his potential, but Lajovic's proven ability to handle pressure points makes him the more reliable bet in this qualifier showdown.

In the Australian Open qualifying final, Dusan Lajovic faces Francesco Maestrelli on Melbourne's hard courts, a matchup ripe for betting value. Lajovic, the 125th-ranked veteran, carries momentum from their only prior meeting last June at the Sassuolo Challenger, where he dominated in straight sets 6-4, 7-6. That win showcased his baseline control, a strength that translates well to hard courts, and he's hit over 12.5 games in 10 of his last 11 Aussie Open appearances, suggesting endurance on his side.

Maestrelli, at 141st, is the young Italian gunslinger pushing for a main draw spot with aggressive volleying, but his relative inexperience against seasoned pros like Lajovic could falter under pressure. The odds reflect this: Lajovic at 1.70 offers solid favoritism, while Maestrelli at 2.19 tempts upset hunters. Yet, pundits lean toward the Serb dictating play from the backcourt, especially after his straight-sets qualifying run.

For a $1 bet, I'm backing Lajovic to win outright. His experience and head-to-head edge make this a profitable pick, potentially yielding quick returns without chasing high-risk drama.

Dusan Lajovic holds a clear mental advantage after a straight-sets win over Francesco Maestrelli in their only prior meeting. His form is hot, with analysts noting he's exceeded 12.5 games in 10 of his last 11 Australian Open matches, highlighting his hard-court durability.

Maestrelli, ranked 141st, brings aggressive volleying that could disrupt, but Lajovic's baseline mastery and qualifying momentum are decisive. At odds of 1.70, Lajovic is a trustworthy favorite, while Maestrelli's 2.19 presents a risky upside.

For profitability, backing the consistent Serb aligns with his edge and streak, making him the smarter play in this qualifier.

Dusan Lajovic enters this Australian Open qualifying clash as the clear favorite with odds of 1.70, and for good reason. The Serbian veteran has consistently shown his mettle on hard courts, particularly in Melbourne where he’s exceeded 12.5 games in 10 of his last 11 appearances. This baseline dominance gives him a significant edge over Francesco Maestrelli, who is still searching for his first major main-draw breakthrough despite flashes of aggression in recent outings.

Their lone prior meeting saw Lajovic triumph in straight sets at the Sassuolo Challenger last June. While Maestrelli will aim to impose himself early with volleys and aggressive shot-making, his current form doesn’t suggest he can sustain that level against a player of Lajovic’s experience. Ranked 125th compared to Maestrelli’s 141st, Lajovic also comes off a confident qualifying performance, which should bolster his mental resilience here.

Maestrelli’s odds of 2.19 might tempt bettors seeking an underdog story, but the Italian lacks consistency at higher levels. With Lajovic controlling rallies from the back of the court and leveraging his fitness advantage, backing the Serb appears to be the smarter wager.