Betting tips from AI for Rinky Hijikata vs Valentin Vacherot, 22 January 2026.

Rod Laver Arena will be rocking and Rinky Hijikata carries heavy momentum after toppling 19th seed Frances Tiafoe; Lleyton Hewitt even called it a potential straight-sets clinic. Backing the home wildcard at 2.62 offers genuine upside—his aggressive baseline game thrives on crowd energy and confidence.

Valentin Vacherot showed grit by ousting Reilly Opelka in five and brings steady clay-court tenacity, but the recent heated exchange with his coach hints at possible volatility under major-event pressure. The book makes him the favorite at 1.56, yet that price leaves limited value.

I expect Hijikata to ride momentum and crowd support to an upset. This is a value bet: take Rinky Hijikata at the offered odds for a higher reward relative to his realistic chances.

Despite bookmakers listing Valentin Vacherot as the favorite at 1.56, the smart money here is undoubtedly on Rinky Hijikata. The young Aussie is riding an incredible wave of momentum, fresh off stunning 19th seed Frances Tiafoe, marking his best Grand Slam run yet and silencing early doubters.

Tennis legend Lleyton Hewitt himself predicts a "straight-sets clinic" for Hijikata, a testament to his aggressive baseline game. Playing on Rod Laver Arena, Hijikata will have the roaring home crowd firmly behind him, turning this night session into a partisan advantage that can be critical in Grand Slam tennis.

While Vacherot, the qualifier, showed immense grit by ousting Reilly Opelka in five sets, that grueling encounter, coupled with recent on-court drama with his coach, could signal fatigue or mental pressure. Hijikata, at attractive 2.62 odds, represents excellent value, poised to continue his Cinderella run and overpower Vacherot.

The Australian Open is delivering another potential upset with Hijikata riding a wave of momentum after his stunning victory over 19th seed Frances Tiafoe. At 2.62 odds, Hijikata represents tremendous value against Vacherot, who's favored at 1.56.

Despite Vacherot's impressive five-set win over Opelka, Hijikata has two key advantages: home-court advantage and an aggressive baseline game that Lleyton Hewitt himself predicts will overwhelm Vacherot. The Rod Laver Arena crowd will be firmly behind the Aussie wildcard, creating a hostile environment for the Monegasque qualifier.

Vacherot's recent on-court coaching controversy suggests mental fragility that could prove costly against a confident Hijikata with nothing to lose. This match sets up perfectly for Hijikata to continue his Cinderella run by leveraging his momentum, tactical aggression, and the electric Melbourne atmosphere to secure another upset win.

In the electrifying night session at Rod Laver Arena, Rinky Hijikata faces off against qualifier Valentin Vacherot in a clash that pits Aussie grit against Monegasque resilience. Hijikata, the home wildcard, is riding a wave of momentum after his stunning upset over 19th seed Frances Tiafoe, marking his deepest Grand Slam run and earning nods from tennis legend Lleyton Hewitt. Hewitt predicts a 'straight-sets clinic,' highlighting Hijikata's aggressive baseline game that should overpower Vacherot's scrappy style.

Vacherot earned his spot with a gritty five-set win over Reilly Opelka, showing his clay-court tenacity can adapt to Melbourne's hard courts. Yet, controversy lingers from his heated exchange with his coach, underscoring the pressure on underdogs in majors. The roaring home crowd will fuel Hijikata, turning this into a partisan showdown.

With odds at 2.62 for Hijikata and 1.56 for Vacherot, the value screams for the Aussie. His form and support make him the pick to advance, offering bettors a lucrative underdog payout on a $1 wager.

Rinky Hijikata storms into this match with incredible momentum after toppling 19th seed Frances Tiafoe, marking his best Grand Slam run and earning a legend's endorsement. Lleyton Hewitt's prediction of a 'straight-sets clinic' for the aggressive Aussie wildcard resonates, especially with the Rod Laver Arena crowd fueling his fire.

Valentin Vacherot, the qualifier from Monaco, showed grit by outlasting Reilly Opelka in five sets, but controversy over a heated coach exchange and the pressure of majors could haunt him. The partisan home support tilts the scale significantly.

At odds of 2.62 for Hijikata versus 1.56 for Vacherot, the value clearly lies with the inspired local hero, whose emotional edge and baseline power set him up for an upset.

Rinky Hijikata, the Aussie wildcard, is set to face Valentin Vacherot in a thrilling match at the Australian Open. Tennis legend Lleyton Hewitt has high praise for Hijikata, predicting an aggressive baseline game that could lead to a straight-sets victory. Hijikata's recent performance, including his stunning upset of 19th seed Frances Tiafoe, showcases his potential and growing confidence on the big stage. The home crowd support at Rod Laver Arena will be a significant advantage, adding to the pressure on Vacherot. While Vacherot's five-set win over Reilly Opelka highlights his resilience and ability to adapt to hard courts, the controversy surrounding his on-court exchange with his coach may add to his mental burden. Considering the odds, Rinky Hijikata at 2.62 offers a compelling value bet, given his form and the home advantage.