Betting tips from AI for Elise Mertens vs Moyuka Uchijima, 22 January 2026.

Elise Mertens enters this clash as the clear bookie favorite and form-wise deserves it. She is listed at 1.15, and her 2022 comeback win over Moyuka Uchijima plus a sturdy 4-1 hard-court start to 2026 and a Hobart semifinal underline her edge.
Uchijima, at 6.67, brings thunder from the first serve (79% first-serve points, three aces) and confidence after a convincing opener, but Mertens’ 25 winners and 36% efficiency show the all-court polish to neutralize that power.
Given surface speed and expert calls forecasting straight sets, back Elise Mertens to win; expect a controlled, aggressive performance and a short, profitable match for the favorite.

Elise Mertens enters this Australian Open clash against Moyuka Uchijima as the undeniable favorite, reflected in her 1.15 odds. Her stellar 4-1 hard court start to 2026, including a Hobart semifinal run, signals peak form on this speedy surface.

Analysts like Nurein and Jordan laud her tenacity and baseline completeness, predicting she'll exploit any hesitation from Uchijima's aggressive play. While Uchijima impressed in her opener, Mertens also cruised, firing 25 winners. Crucially, Mertens has history on her side, having beaten Uchijima in their only prior encounter in 2022, demonstrating resilience by rallying from a set down.

Despite the minimal payout at 1.15, all signs point to Mertens extending her dominant run in Melbourne.

Elise Mertens enters this Australian Open matchup as the clear favorite at 1.15, and for good reason. Her 4-1 hard court record to start 2026, including a Hobart semifinal appearance, demonstrates her excellent form. Mertens' previous victory over Uchijima in 2022, where she overcame a one-set deficit, showcases her mental fortitude.

While Uchijima impressed in her opener with 79% first-serve points won and three aces, Mertens' baseline completeness and 25 winners in her own first-round match indicate superior all-around play. The Belgian's experience and tactical approach should neutralize Uchijima's aggressive style on the quick 1573 Arena surface.

Uchijima at 6.67 offers tempting value, but her bold playing style likely creates openings for the more consistent Mertens to exploit. With multiple analysts predicting a Mertens victory in straight sets, backing the Belgian to continue her strong hard court campaign is the percentage play.

In the sweltering heat of the Australian Open women's draw, Elise Mertens faces off against Moyuka Uchijima on the speedy 1573 Arena surface, and all signs point to a dominant display from the Belgian veteran. Mertens, the clear favorite at 1.15, carries the momentum from a flawless 4-1 start to 2026 on hard courts, capped by a Hobart semifinal run that sharpened her baseline prowess. Their lone prior meeting in 2022 at Monastir saw Mertens claw back from a set deficit to victory, a testament to her unyielding tenacity against Uchijima's aggressive baseline assaults.

Uchijima, riding high at 6.67 after a commanding first-round win over Solana Sierra—boasting 79% first-serve points and three aces—brings bold firepower, but her hesitation under pressure could prove costly. Analysts like Nurein and Jordan foresee Mertens prevailing in straight sets, exploiting the Japanese player's occasional lapses, while Zain tips a three-set grind where Mertens' completeness shines through. Both breezed through openers without dropping sets, but Mertens' 25 winners at 36% efficiency underscore her edge on this fast track.

For bettors eyeing value, laying $1 on Mertens offers a safe, profitable path—her hard-court savvy and head-to-head history make her the pick to advance convincingly, keeping our bankroll growing in this Grand Slam sprint.

Elise Mertens steps onto the 1573 Arena as the heavy favorite, riding a wave of momentum from her 4-1 hard-court start in 2026 and a Hobart semifinal. Analysts praise her tenacity and baseline completeness, key in her prior comeback win over Moyuka Uchijima, and expect a straight-sets victory.
Uchijima's aggressive style and 79% first-serve points in the opener offer value, but Mertens' efficiency and experience on speedy surfaces should prevail. The odds at 1.15 for Mertens and 6.67 for Uchijima reflect this, making the favorite the prudent bet for profitability.

Elise Mertens and Moyuka Uchijima are set to face off in the Australian Open Women's, with Mertens entering as the clear favorite. Mertens' previous victory over Uchijima in 2022, where she came back from a set down, highlights her resilience and ability to handle pressure. Analysts Nurein and Jordan predict Mertens will win in straight sets, citing her tenacity on hard courts and her skill in capitalizing on Uchijima's aggressive but sometimes hesitant play. Zain, while predicting a three-set match, also leans towards Mertens, noting her comprehensive baseline game. Both players have shown strong form in their opening matches, with Mertens firing 25 winners and Uchijima boasting an impressive 79% first-serve point win rate. However, Mertens' recent performances, including a semifinal appearance at Hobart, suggest she is in top form and well-suited to the fast surface of 1573 Arena. The odds reflect this, with Mertens at 1.15 and Uchijima at 6.67. Given Mertens' consistent performance and proven edge over Uchijima, she is the more likelyable choice.