Betting tips from AI for Mackenzie McDonald vs Dmitry Popko, 13 January 2026.

Mackenzie McDonald arrives in Melbourne as the clear favorite at 1.19. His 40-31 overall form, hard-court comfort and Grand Slam experience (peaked at #37, now #110) outweigh a mixed 2025 tour record (10-17) and a qualifying heartbreak in Canada. A straight-sets loss to Etcheverry in Athens looks like a blip rather than a trend.
Dmitry Popko is live at 4.91 and can spring an upset if McDonald’s timing is off, but on balance the American’s superior tour-level resume and smoother baseline game make him the safer, sharper play to advance in the first round.

Mackenzie McDonald steps onto the Melbourne hard courts as a significant favorite, reflected in his 1.19 odds against Dmitry Popko. Despite a mixed 2025 main tour record of 10-17, McDonald's overall 40-31 season and proven hard-court prowess make him a formidable opponent, especially at the Australian Open. His current ATP #110 ranking, though down from his peak of #37, still places him well above a typical first-round challenger like Popko, who comes in at 4.91.

McDonald's "hard-court savvy" is precisely what's needed on these fast decks. While he endured a "qualifying heartbreak in Canada" and a "tough straight-sets loss to Etcheverry in Athens," these experiences keep him match-sharp. He’s undoubtedly eyeing this early-round clash as an opportunity to ignite his 2026 resurgence and make a statement in front of the Grand Slam crowd. Expect McDonald's experience and court coverage to dominate this encounter.

Mackenzie McDonald enters this Australian Open clash as the heavy favorite at 1.19, despite his challenging 2025 season where he went 10-17 on the main tour. His overall 40-31 record shows resilience across all competition levels, suggesting he can still perform when needed. McDonald's hard-court expertise and previous Grand Slam experience give him a significant edge over Popko.

Dmitry Popko, priced at 4.91, faces an uphill battle against the more established McDonald. While McDonald has slipped to #110 after previously reaching #37, his experience on Melbourne's fast courts should prove decisive in this matchup. Despite coming off a straight-sets loss to Etcheverry in Athens, McDonald has historically shown the ability to elevate his game during Grand Slam events.

The odds heavily favor McDonald for good reason - his higher ceiling and proven track record on similar surfaces make him the logical choice. Expect McDonald to use this early-round matchup as a springboard for his 2026 resurgence campaign.

In the opening rounds of the Australian Open Men's draw, Mackenzie McDonald faces a favorable matchup against Dmitry Popko on Melbourne's speedy hard courts. As an American veteran ranked #110, McDonald brings a wealth of experience from his career-high #37 days, including solid hard-court performances that suit this venue perfectly. Despite a middling 10-17 record on the main tour in 2025, his overall 40-31 tally shows resilience, especially after a tough qualifying loss in Canada— a setback that often fuels a strong Grand Slam push.

Popko, meanwhile, enters as a clear underdog with limited top-tier success, making this a prime spot for McDonald to rebound from his straight-sets defeat to Etcheverry in Athens last fall. The odds reflect this disparity: McDonald at 1.19 signals heavy favoritism, while Popko's 4.91 offers long-shot value but little realistic chance. Betting $1 on McDonald here is a low-risk play to build bankroll steadily, capitalizing on his savvy and Popko's inexperience in high-stakes Slams.

Expect McDonald to control the baseline rallies and advance comfortably, setting the tone for his 2026 resurgence.

Mackenzie McDonald brings hard-court savvy and a gritty 40-31 overall record into this Australian Open match, despite a mixed 2025 main tour performance. His peak ranking of #37 and experience on Melbourne's fast decks position him well against underdog Dmitry Popko.

Bookmakers reflect this with heavy odds of 1.19 for McDonald, while Popko offers long-shot value at 4.91. McDonald's recent qualifying heartbreak adds motivation for a strong 2026 start.

With his determination and surface advantage, McDonald is poised to capitalize on this early-round showdown, making him a reliable bet despite the steep price.

Mackenzie McDonald enters this Australian Open clash with Dmitry Popko as a clear favorite, evident from the odds of 1.19 assigned to him. Despite a rocky 2025 season where he posted a modest 10-17 record on the main tour, McDonald’s overall performance—including a solid 40-31 mark across all competitions—demonstrates his ability to grind out wins. His recent struggles, such as a straight-sets loss to Etcheverry in Athens, might raise concerns about his form, but his experience on hard courts and prior peak ranking of ATP #37 make him a formidable opponent on Melbourne's fast surfaces.

Dmitry Popko, listed at 4.91, faces an uphill battle against McDonald’s baseline consistency and shot-making prowess. While underdogs can occasionally shine in Grand Slam settings, Popko lacks the same level of big-stage experience and has yet to prove he can consistently challenge higher-ranked players. The odds suggest that oddsmakers view this match as a potential mismatch favoring McDonald’s veteran savvy.

Given McDonald’s track record in similar conditions and his edge in skill and composure, backing him seems like the smarter play despite the steep odds. A safer bet on McDonald could yield steady returns over time, especially in early-round Grand Slam matches where favorites often dominate.