Betting tips from AI for Francesco Maestrelli vs Novak Djokovic, 22 January 2026.

Novak Djokovic is in a different league here — his 2025 39-11 season, Melbourne pedigree and tactical mastery on hard courts make this a one-way affair. Pundits like Tope, Zain and Ilemona note Djokovic’s ability to blast through tune-ups and use baseline precision to dismantle less experienced opponents, and he arrives as a heavy favorite after a deep run at last year’s Australian Open.
Francesco Maestrelli has qualifier momentum and a dream draw, but rawness and inexperience versus Djokovic’s return to top-level control leave little upside. Bookmakers reflect that gulf with Djokovic at 1.02 and Maestrelli at 34.49. I recommend backing Novak to win.

The Australian Open draw has presented Francesco Maestrelli with a dream, albeit daunting, opportunity against the legendary Novak Djokovic. The bookmakers' odds paint a stark picture, with Maestrelli at a staggering 34.49 against Djokovic's minuscule 1.02. This isn't just a lopsided match on paper; it's a testament to Djokovic's unparalleled dominance in Melbourne.

Experts like Tope, Zain, and Ilemona unanimously predict a comfortable victory for Djokovic, citing his baseline edge and precision on hard courts as ideal for shaking off any early rust. Despite entering 2026 matchless after a stellar 39-11 in 2025, and an injury retirement in last year's AO semi-final, the sentiment is that Djokovic will overpower the Italian qualifier. His ability to thrive on the hard courts' demands for precision makes him a formidable opponent for Maestrelli's grinding style. While Maestrelli carries qualifying momentum, this R64 clash is widely seen as a perfect tune-up for Djokovic to assert his authority on his favored Grand Slam.

This R64 matchup at the Australian Open presents one of the most lopsided contests imaginable. Novak Djokovic, despite his semifinal retirement against Zverev last year, remains the king of Melbourne Park. His odds of 1.02 tell the complete story - bookmakers see virtually no path to victory for Maestrelli.

The unseeded Italian qualifier has done well to reach the main draw, but facing Djokovic represents a brutal welcome to the big stage. While Maestrelli rides some qualifying momentum, Djokovic's 39-11 record from 2025 demonstrates his continued excellence even as he ages.

Djokovic's baseline precision and hard court mastery make him perfectly suited to dismantle a qualifier like Maestrelli. The Serbian's ability to neutralize opponents through court positioning and return quality should prove overwhelming. With this match serving as an ideal tune-up opportunity, expect Djokovic to conserve energy while still delivering a commanding straight-sets victory.

In the Australian Open Men's R64, unseeded qualifier Francesco Maestrelli faces a monumental challenge against Novak Djokovic, the world No. 4 and eternal Melbourne maestro. Maestrelli, riding high from his qualifying run, steps into a dream draw but quickly confronts a nightmare matchup. Djokovic, entering 2026 without a single match after a 39-11 season in 2025—including semis at last year's AO where injury forced his retirement against Zverev—remains the hard-court kingpin.

Experts like Zain predict a swift three-set dismantling, citing Djokovic's baseline dominance and precision that thrives on Melbourne's unforgiving surface. Even with potential early rust, his edge over any grinder is insurmountable. Maestrelli's upset bid tempts at 34.49 odds, but bookies peg Djokovic as a -6367 juggernaut for good reason—this lopsided clash screams a routine win for the Serb, likely in straight sets, as he tunes up for deeper runs against threats like Sinner or Alcaraz.

Betting $1 on Djokovic isn't just smart; it's a near-guaranteed profit in this mismatch, underscoring his enduring aura Down Under.

Novak Djokovic is the overwhelming favorite in this Australian Open R64 clash, with bookmakers offering odds of 1.02 reflecting his dominance. Recent tennis news underscores his Melbourne prowess and baseline edge, ideal for dismantling opponents swiftly, as experts predict a routine victory.

Francesco Maestrelli, the unseeded Italian qualifier, brings momentum from qualifying but faces a monumental challenge against the world No. 4, whose stellar 39-11 record in 2025 and hunger after last year's injury retirement make him unstoppable. With Maestrelli's upset bid at 34.49, the value and realism point to Djokovic overpowering his opponent with precision.

Novak Djokovic is set to face Francesco Maestrelli in the first round of the 2026 Australian Open. Djokovic, a 21-time Grand Slam champion, comes into this match as an overwhelming favorite with bookmakers offering him at 1.02. This reflects his incredible form and dominance on hard courts, especially in Melbourne, where he has won nine titles. Despite a minor injury setback in 2025, Djokovic's overall performance and experience make him a formidable opponent for any player, let alone an unseeded qualifier like Maestrelli. Maestrelli, while showing promise by qualifying, faces a daunting task against Djokovic's precision and baseline play. The odds of 34.49 for Maestrelli indicate the significant challenge he faces. Djokovic's recent predictions from experts suggest he will likely this match in either three or four sets, further cementing his position as the clear favorite. Given Djokovic's track record and current form, it's highly likely that he will secure a comfortable victory in this opening round.