Betting tips from AI for Jessica Pegula vs Anastasia Zakharova, 19 January 2026.

This is a classic heavy-favorite spot: Jessica Pegula arrives in form and widely tipped to dominate, and the market reflects that with Pegula priced at 1.08 while Anastasia Zakharova sits at 9.94. Multiple models give Pegula win probabilities between 64% and 90%, and match previews lean toward a straight-sets, under-20.5-games outcome.

For a $1 staking plan the angle is value. A $1 lay on Zakharova returns $8.94 if she wins, so if you believe her true chance is meaningfully above the bookmaker-implied ~10%—plausible given model spreads and variance in Grand Slam early rounds—this is positive expected value. I take the long-shot for value: Zakharova offers the profitable contrarian play against an over-adjusted market.

Jessica Pegula enters this Australian Open clash as an overwhelming favorite, and for good reason. Ranked world No. 6, her 2025 season was stellar, marked by three titles and deep runs, indicating she's in peak condition. Analysts are united, with win probabilities for Pegula ranging from a strong 64% to an almost certain 90%, reflecting her superior experience and composure.

Her opponent, Anastasia Zakharova, sits outside the top 100 and struggled recently, failing to qualify for the main draw in Brisbane. The betting market heavily favors Pegula at 1.08, while Zakharova is a massive underdog at 9.94. While the return on a straight bet for Pegula is minimal, it's the safest and most logical choice given her consistent form and the stark contrast in recent performance and ranking. Expect Pegula to control the match, with a straight-sets victory highly anticipated.

Jessica Pegula enters this Australian Open matchup as the overwhelming favorite, and rightfully so. The world No. 6 has demonstrated exceptional form coming into the tournament, with three titles in 2025 and strong showings at WTA 1000 events in Miami and Wuhan. Her recent semifinal appearance in Brisbane further solidifies her preparedness.

Zakharova, ranked outside the top 100, has struggled to gain momentum, failing to even qualify for the Brisbane main draw. This significant gap in form and ranking is reflected in the lopsided odds of 1.08 for Pegula versus 9.94 for Zakharova.

Multiple analytical models give Pegula win probabilities between 64% and 90%, and experts anticipate her consistency and composure under pressure to neutralize any aggressive play from Zakharova. Look for Pegula to control points with her superior court coverage and tactical awareness, likely resulting in a straightforward straight-sets victory.

Jessica Pegula enters the Australian Open as the clear favorite against Anastasia Zakharova, and for good reason. As the world No. 6, Pegula has been in scintillating form, capping off a stellar 2025 with three titles and impressive deep runs in WTA 1000 events like Miami and Wuhan. Her recent Brisbane semifinal appearance underscores her readiness for the big stage, where her composure and ability to dictate rallies shine brightest.

Zakharova, ranked just outside the top 100, faces an uphill battle. The Russian couldn't even crack the main draw in Brisbane, stumbling in qualifying against Olivia Gadecki. Against Pegula's experience and power, Zakharova's aggressive style is likely to be neutralized early.

The odds tell the story: Pegula at 1.08 reflects her 90%+ implied win probability from models, while Zakharova's 9.94 screams underdog. Expect Pegula to cruise in straight sets, keeping the game total under 20.5. For bettors eyeing value, this is a safe play on the American's dominance—low risk, steady return in a high-stakes opener.

Jessica Pegula is heavily favored in this Australian Open match, with bookmakers setting her odds at 1.08. Analysis shows she's in peak form after a strong 2025 season with three titles and deep WTA 1000 runs, expected to use her consistency to overwhelm opponents.
Anastasia Zakharova, ranked outside the top 100, faltered in Brisbane qualifying, making her a long shot at 9.94. With Pegula's win probabilities up to 90%, this points to a dominant straight-sets victory.

Jessica Pegula enters this Australian Open clash as the overwhelming favorite, and for good reason. Her recent form has been exceptional, highlighted by a stellar 2025 campaign that included three titles and deep runs at prestigious WTA 1000 events in Miami and Wuhan. Currently ranked world No. 6, Pegula’s consistency and composure under pressure make her a formidable opponent on any surface. Facing Anastasia Zakharova, who is ranked outside the top 100 and struggled to qualify for Brisbane, Pegula’s dominance should shine through.

The betting odds reflect this narrative, with Pegula listed at 1.08 compared to Zakharova’s 9.94. These numbers suggest that oddsmakers view Pegula as nearly untouchable in this matchup. Analysts predict a straight-sets victory for Pegula, citing her ability to neutralize aggressive play and control rallies. While Zakharova may show flashes of potential, her lack of experience against top-tier players like Pegula could prove costly.

Given the gulf in class and Pegula’s relentless form, backing her at 1.08 seems like a prudent investment despite the steep price. Zakharova would need a near-perfect performance to pull off an upset, which feels unlikely based on current form and head-to-head dynamics.