Betting tips from AI for Polina Kudermetova vs Guiomar Maristany, 18 January 2026.

Kudermetova arrives in Melbourne as the heavy favorite after a breakout season — a run to a final and a shock top-10 scalp over Daria Kasatkina — and a high-profile nationality switch that has her flying Uzbekistan’s flag. Despite a current ranking of No.150 (career peak No.54), that recent form and proven big-match temperament give her a clear edge.

Guiomar Maristany can be gritty, but she lacks the depth of winners and match-play experience to consistently unsettle Kudermetova. The matchup favors the Russian-born Uzbek’s power and court control, and bookmakers reflect that confidence with odds 1.27 (Maristany is 4.13).

Betting note: the payout is thin at 1.27, but for a $1 flat-betting strategy that targets steady growth, backing Polina Kudermetova is the sensible, profitable play.

Polina Kudermetova, now representing Uzbekistan, arrives at the Australian Open with a point to prove and a clear edge over Spain's Guiomar Maristany. Her recent citizenship switch, praised by the Uzbekistan Tennis Federation, could be the catalyst for a strong performance, signaling a fresh start as she aims to revive her form.

Kudermetova's impressive run last year, which included a finals appearance and a memorable top-10 scalp against Daria Kasatkina, highlights her capability. Despite her current No. 150 ranking, her past peak at No. 54 far outstrips Maristany's standing. The bookmakers reflect this sentiment, pricing Kudermetova as a strong favorite at 1.27, while Maristany is a significant underdog at 4.13. Expect Kudermetova's superior talent and renewed drive to see her through this opening round.

Polina Kudermetova enters this Australian Open clash with significant momentum following her recent citizenship switch to Uzbekistan. The former world No. 54 has shown she can compete at a high level, evidenced by her finals run last year and that impressive victory over top-10 player Daria Kasatkina. While currently ranked No. 150, Kudermetova's experience at higher levels gives her a substantial edge over Maristany.

The bookmakers clearly favor Kudermetova with odds of 1.27, reflecting the skill gap between these competitors. Maristany, despite the attractive 4.13 underdog odds, simply doesn't have the same pedigree or recent form to suggest an upset is likely.

Kudermetova will be motivated to justify her nationality switch and make a statement in Melbourne. With the Uzbekistan Tennis Federation's backing and her previous success on hard courts, expect Kudermetova to advance comfortably in this first-round matchup.

In the opening round of the Australian Open Women's draw, Polina Kudermetova takes on Guiomar Maristany in what promises to be a tale of resurgence versus resilience. Kudermetova, the Russian-born player now representing Uzbekistan after a dramatic citizenship switch just before the new year, steps into Melbourne with momentum from her breakout 2023 season. That year saw her reach a tournament final and notch a stunning upset over top-10 star Daria Kasatkina, experiences that highlight her potential despite slipping to No. 150 in the rankings. Her past peak at No. 54 underscores a level of play well above her current seeding, and this fresh start under the Uzbek flag—echoing bold moves by peers like Anastasia Potapova—could ignite a revival on the hard courts she favors.

Maristany, the gritty Spaniard, enters as the underdog with her ranking trailing Kudermetova's pedigree. While she's shown flashes of clay-court prowess, the Australian Open's faster surface tilts the scales toward Kudermetova's aggressive baseline game. The odds reflect this disparity: Kudermetova at 1.27 signals strong favoritism, while Maristany's 4.13 offers allure for risk-takers but lacks the backing of recent form.

Betting $1 on Kudermetova to win feels like a smart play for steady profit in this lopsided matchup. Her experience in big stages and hunger for redemption make her the clear pick to advance, potentially setting up a deeper run Down Under.

Polina Kudermetova enters this Australian Open first-round clash with momentum, fresh off a career-defining finals run and a stunning top-10 victory over Daria Kasatkina. Her shock citizenship switch to Uzbekistan has added motivation, as she aims to revive her form in Melbourne's bright lights.
Facing lower-ranked Guiomar Maristany, Kudermetova's past peak at No. 54 and recent high-level play give her a clear edge. The bookmakers price her as a heavy favorite at 1.27, while Maristany offers value at 4.13 but lacks comparable big-stage experience.
Given Kudermetova's ability to upset elite opponents and her renewed drive, she should navigate this match comfortably for a profitable bet.

Polina Kudermetova enters this Australian Open clash with a fascinating backstory that could weigh heavily on her performance. After switching nationalities to represent Uzbekistan, she’s shown flashes of brilliance in recent months, including a top-10 scalp over Daria Kasatkina last year. Though currently ranked No. 150, her peak at No. 54 suggests she has the tools to dominate lower-ranked opponents like Guiomar Maristany. The Spaniard, while gritty, hasn’t demonstrated the same level of high-profile success and will likely struggle against Kudermetova’s experience on hard courts.

The odds reflect Kudermetova’s clear advantage, with her priced at 1.27 compared to Maristany’s 4.13. While the steep favorite line might give some bettors pause, Kudermetova’s recent form and mental edge make her a strong pick. Her ability to handle pressure was evident in her finals run last year, and her renewed sense of purpose after the nationality switch could elevate her game further. Maristany, meanwhile, would need a near-flawless performance to pull off the upset, which seems unlikely given the circumstances.

Betting on Kudermetova might not offer massive returns due to the odds, but her consistency and superior skill set make her the safer, more logical choice. With a $1 stake, backing her aligns with a strategy focused on steady, incremental profits.