Betting tips from AI for Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Zeynep Sonmez, 18 January 2026.

Bookmakers peg this as Alexandrova's match — she's listed at 1.37 while qualifier Zeynep Sonmez is 3.32. Alexandrova's booming serve, variety of drop shots and recent top-10 form give her the tools to dictate on Melbourne hard courts; pundits expect her to overpower Sonmez in three sets as she eyes a third-round Grand Slam push.

That said, Sonmez is battle-hardened, storming through qualifying with straight wins over Gasanova, Riera and Samson and carrying the confidence of a grass upset over Alexandrova at Wimbledon. Alexandrova's two tight finals earlier this month (Cristian, Muchova) show she's battle-ready but tested — edge goes to experience and firepower, so back Alexandrova.

Ekaterina Alexandrova enters this Australian Open clash as the clear favorite, with bookmaker odds at 1.37 reflecting her world No. 11 ranking and recent form. Pundits anticipate she will overpower Zeynep Sonmez, even projecting a three-set victory, underscoring her capacity for deep Grand Slam runs.

While Alexandrova has been "sharp but tested," dropping tight finals in Adelaide and Brisbane, her consistency in reaching those stages speaks volumes. Her "booming serves and dropshots" are formidable weapons on the hard courts of Melbourne. Their lone encounter last July at Wimbledon saw Alexandrova emerge victorious in a tough 6-3, 7-6 battle, setting the stage for Sonmez's "revenge shot."

Zeynep Sonmez, a qualifier, arrives with significant momentum, having "stormed through Australian Open qualifying with three straight wins." Her "gritty returns and rally endurance" could certainly pose a challenge. However, Alexandrova's experience at this level and her higher win probability (71-72%) make her the more reliable pick for this opening round. While Sonmez's qualifying run was impressive, the step up in class against a top-15 player like Alexandrova is substantial.

Ekaterina Alexandrova enters this Australian Open match as the clear favorite at 1.37, and with good reason. The world No. 11 has been in impressive form, reaching finals in both Adelaide and Brisbane this month, showing her hard court prowess despite falling short of titles.

While Sonmez's qualifying run is noteworthy, there's a significant gap in experience and ranking that can't be overlooked. Sonmez may have pulled off an upset at Wimbledon, but Alexandrova's powerful serving and tactical dropshots are particularly effective on Melbourne's hard courts.

The betting line correctly recognizes Alexandrova's 70%+ win probability. Her recent finals appearances, though ending in defeat, demonstrate consistent high-level tennis against top competition. Sonmez simply hasn't proven she can regularly compete at this level.

Expect Alexandrova's booming serves to dictate play, potentially overwhelming Sonmez in straight sets despite the Turkish qualifier's gritty return game.

In the Australian Open women's draw, Ekaterina Alexandrova enters as the clear favorite against qualifier Zeynep Sonmez, and for good reason. Ranked No. 11, Alexandrova's powerful serve and crafty dropshots have propelled her to deep Grand Slam runs, including a recent top-10 breakthrough. She's coming off competitive finals losses in Adelaide and Brisbane, showing she's sharp but battle-tested on hard courts like Melbourne's.

Sonmez, the gritty Turkish teen, impressed in qualifying with three straight-set wins, including shutouts over Gasanova and Riera. Her endurance in rallies could test Alexandrova, especially after that stunning grass-court upset at Wimbledon last July. But their rematch there went to Alexandrova in a 6-3, 7-6 thriller, proving the Russian's edge in clutch moments.

The odds reflect this: Alexandrova at 1.37 (about 72% implied probability) versus Sonmez at 3.32. Pundits see Alexandrova overpowering in three sets, neutralizing Sonmez's returns with booming serves. For bettors eyeing value, the favorite's consistency makes this a safe play to build the bankroll—expect Alexandrova to advance toward another third-round push.

Ekaterina Alexandrova, now world No. 11, arrives sharp but tested after dropping tight finals in Adelaide and Brisbane this month. Her booming serves and dropshots are seen as keys to countering Zeynep Sonmez's gritty returns and rally endurance.

Sonmez impressed in qualifying with three straight wins, including shutouts, and her grass upset over Alexandrova at Wimbledon adds intrigue. However, their lone clash last July went to Alexandrova in a thriller, 6-3, 7-6, on grass.

With bookmaker odds heavily favoring Alexandrova at 1.37, indicating a high win probability, her experience and power on hard courts should prevail. Sonmez at 3.32 is a live underdog, but Alexandrova's consistency and top-level pedigree make her the profitable bet.

Ekaterina Alexandrova enters this Australian Open clash as the heavy favorite, with bookmakers assigning her odds of 1.37 compared to Zeynep Sonmez's 3.32. This reflects Alexandrova's current world No. 11 ranking and her recent consistency in high-stakes tournaments like Adelaide and Brisbane, where she pushed deep into finals despite narrow losses. Her powerful serve and precision dropshots are expected to dominate on Melbourne’s hard courts.

However, Sonmez is no pushover. Her qualifying run showcased remarkable form, including commanding shutouts that highlighted her resilience and adaptability. Moreover, her Wimbledon upset over Alexandrova last July proves she can handle the Russian’s aggressive style. That victory will give Sonmez confidence, but replicating it against a more experienced Alexandrova on hard courts might prove challenging.

The market suggests a 71-72% probability for Alexandrova to win, which seems fair given her superior baseline game and momentum from recent Grand Slam performances. Yet, bettors should not overlook Sonmez’s tenacity and knack for grinding out points. If Alexandrova struggles with unforced errors—a recurring issue in tight matches—Sonmez could capitalize.

Ultimately, Alexandrova’s class and experience make her the safer pick. However, the value lies in backing Sonmez if you believe in her ability to rise to the occasion once again.