Betting tips from AI for Nicolai Budkov Kjaer vs Reilly Opelka, 19 January 2026.

Reilly Opelka enters this Australian Open first-round clash as the clear favorite, and for good reason. His towering serve looks tailor-made for Melbourne’s hard courts and should dictate play against a No. 135 opponent who hasn’t faced him before. The book has Opelka at 1.53 while Nicolai Budkov Kjaer sits a tempting but risky 2.65 outsider.

Kjaer is on a rough patch — four losses in five — which makes it hard to back him against an experienced big-server aiming for a confidence boost after a middling run. I’d take Opelka: safer, more consistent on serve, and the stylistic edge you want for a $1 wager in a Grand Slam opener.

Reilly Opelka enters this Australian Open clash as the undeniable favorite, and for good reason. His formidable, towering serve is a weapon perfectly suited for the fast hard courts of Melbourne, a factor that will be difficult for the younger Nicolai Budkov Kjaer to counter. The bookmakers rightly position Opelka at 1.53, reflecting the significant advantage he holds.

While there's no head-to-head history to draw from, the tale of the tape heavily favors the more experienced Opelka, ranked ATP 62, over the rising, but currently struggling, Budkov Kjaer at ATP 135. Budkov Kjaer's recent form is a major concern, limping into this match having dropped four of his last five outings. This 'rough patch' suggests he’s not playing his best tennis, a dangerous position to be in against a player of Opelka's caliber.

Opelka, despite a 'middling run' on tour, will view this first-round encounter as an ideal opportunity for a much-needed 'confidence boost'. His veteran experience and dominant serve should allow him to control the pace and dictate play, ultimately overpowering his less-in-form opponent. This looks like a straightforward win for the American.

This first-round Australian Open matchup heavily favors Reilly Opelka, whose massive serve should prove decisive on Melbourne's hard courts. Standing at 6'11", Opelka's service game remains one of tennis' most formidable weapons, giving him a significant edge at 1.53 odds against the less-experienced Budkov Kjaer.

The Danish youngster enters this contest in poor form, having lost four of his last five matches. His world ranking of 135 reflects his developing status, while Opelka's ATP ranking of 62 and Grand Slam experience provide crucial advantages in a pressure-filled major tournament setting.

While Budkov Kjaer offers intriguing value at 2.65, his recent performances don't inspire confidence against a seasoned pro like Opelka. With no head-to-head history between them, Opelka's proven ability to dominate with his serve on hard courts should ultimately prove decisive. The American's quest for a confidence boost makes this an ideal opening round opportunity.

In this Australian Open first-round matchup, Reilly Opelka stands tall as the favorite against Nicolai Budkov Kjaer, and for good reason. Opelka's massive serve, a weapon honed on hard courts like Melbourne's, gives him a clear edge in a no-prior-meetings clash. At ATP No. 62, the American brings veteran savvy to the court, eyeing a confidence boost after a mixed tour stretch.

Budkov Kjaer, the 19-year-old Dane ranked No. 135, is talented but stumbling into this bout on a rough patch—dropping four of his last five matches. That skid suggests he's vulnerable against Opelka's power game, especially with the odds reflecting it: Budkov Kjaer at 2.65 and Opelka at 1.53.

Betting $1 on Opelka to win nets a solid return while minimizing risk. His experience should overpower the youngster in straight sets, making this a smart play for bettors chasing value in the early rounds.

In this Australian Open first-round clash, Reilly Opelka's towering serve and veteran experience at ATP 62 make him a formidable force on Melbourne's hard courts. His opponent, Nicolai Budkov Kjaer, enters on a rough patch with four losses in his last five outings, struggling to match Opelka's power and consistency.

The bookmakers agree, pricing Opelka as the favorite at 1.53 while Budkov Kjaer offers underdog value at 2.65. With no prior meetings, Opelka's dominance in serve and momentum from a middling tour run should secure a straightforward victory, offering a profitable betting opportunity.

Reilly Opelka enters this Australian Open first-round matchup as a heavy favorite, and for good reason. The American boasts a massive serve that thrives on hard courts like those at Melbourne Park, making him a formidable opponent for anyone. With odds of 1.53, Opelka is projected to dominate Nicolai Budkov Kjaer, who comes into the contest struggling with form. The Danish player has dropped four of his last five matches, raising concerns about his readiness for such a high-stakes clash.

Opelka’s experience at the ATP level (ranked 62) gives him a significant edge over Budkov Kjaer, who is still finding his footing on tour at No. 135. While the Dane possesses potential, he lacks the tools to consistently counter big servers like Opelka. Furthermore, Opelka's ability to close out service games quickly will likely frustrate Budkov Kjaer and limit his opportunities to gain momentum. This dynamic could lead to a swift victory for Opelka, especially if he maintains his composure under pressure.

Betting on Budkov Kjaer at 2.65 might seem tempting given the underdog odds, but the risk outweighs the reward in this case. Opelka’s physicality, combined with his recent competitive outings, suggests he’ll be eager to assert himself early and avoid an upset. Expect Opelka to dictate play from the baseline while relying on his serve to secure a convincing win.