Betting tips from AI for Storm Hunter vs Hailey Baptiste, 21 January 2026.

Back Storm Hunter at 2.46. Bookmaker money makes Hailey Baptiste the favorite at 1.62 and Dimers’ models sit around a 57–59% Baptiste win probability (56% to take the first set), but match context narrows that gap. Hunter arrives 5-0 to open 2026, won her opener 6-4, 6-4 and has strong home-crowd support in Melbourne; Pickswise and Sportytrader both point to form and the +2.5 spread value. Baptiste’s Rome qualifier H2H was on clay and she’s shown recent hard-court rust, including a three-set grind vs Townsend.

Putting a conservative adjusted win probability for Hunter at ~45% makes the 2.46 price attractive: that implies a positive expected value (roughly +$0.11 on a $1 stake). I’m siding with Hunter for value rather than backing Baptiste at -162 against model odds.

This Australian Open second-round clash presents a fascinating betting opportunity. While Hailey Baptiste enters as the bookmakers' favorite at 1.62, and predictive models like Dimers give her a 57-59% win probability, the momentum is undeniably with Storm Hunter. Hunter is on a blistering 5-0 start to 2026, including a flawless run through qualification and a dominant straight-sets first-round win. She hasn't dropped a set yet this year, showcasing incredible form.

Baptiste, on the other hand, has struggled on hard courts, entering this match after an 0-2 skid and only grinding out a tense three-setter in her opener. While Baptiste holds a 1-0 head-to-head advantage from a tough Rome qualifier last year, Hunter's current trajectory suggests she's a different player. With the roaring home crowd support in Melbourne and the value at 2.46, Hunter is poised to pull off the upset against a seemingly sluggish Baptiste.

Storm Hunter brings tremendous momentum into this Australian Open clash, riding a perfect 5-0 start to 2026 without dropping a single set. The home crowd advantage in Melbourne provides Hunter with an emotional edge that cannot be underestimated in Grand Slam competition.

While Baptiste holds a 1.62 favorite status and won their only previous meeting in Rome, her recent form raises concerns. She's struggled on hard courts with back-to-back early losses before grinding out a difficult three-setter against lucky loser Townsend. Hunter, meanwhile, looked sharp in her 6-4, 6-4 opening round victory.

Despite predictive models favoring Baptiste with a 57-59% win probability, Hunter's current form and the electric home atmosphere make her 2.46 underdog status particularly attractive. Her confidence is peaking at the perfect time, and she appears poised to avenge last year's defeat in Rome with a statement win in Melbourne.

In the sweltering heat of Melbourne, Storm Hunter faces a golden opportunity to channel her home-crowd energy against Hailey Baptiste in this Australian Open second-round showdown. Hunter's blistering 5-0 start to 2026, capped by a straight-sets demolition of Bouzas Maneiro, has her firing on all cylinders without dropping a set—pure momentum on the hard courts she knows so well. The roaring support from the Aussie faithful could prove decisive, especially as Pickswise analysts highlight her potential to cover the +2.5 games spread against a Baptiste who's looked sluggish after back-to-back early losses.

Baptiste enters with a 57-59% edge per Dimers' simulations and a gritty three-set win over lucky loser Townsend, but her hard-court struggles this year raise red flags. That 1-0 head-to-head from Rome qualifiers last year? Ancient history now, with Hunter seeking sweet revenge in front of her home fans. At 2.46 odds, Hunter screams value for the upset—back her to ride the wave and advance.

This isn't just a match; it's Hunter's breakout moment, turning underdog status into triumph on the big stage.

Storm Hunter is blazing with a 5-0 run in 2026, including a straight-sets opener, and the Melbourne crowd will be firmly behind her. Pickswise analysts back her to cover the spread, while Sportytrader sees upset potential.
Yet, Hailey Baptiste holds a head-to-head edge from a dramatic Rome qualifier win, and Dimers' models favor her with a 57-59% win probability. Her odds at 1.62 reflect favorite status, but Hunter at 2.46 offers value.
Baptiste's resilience shone in a gritty three-setter over Townsend, and despite Hunter's form, the data and past clash point to Baptiste advancing.

The Australian Open Women's match between Storm Hunter and Hailey Baptiste is shaping up to be an exciting clash. Despite the odds heavily favoring Hailey Baptiste at 1.62, recent form and momentum suggest that Storm Hunter could pull off an upset. Hunter has been on a remarkable 5-0 run to start 2026, including a convincing straight-sets victory in her first-round match. The home crowd in Melbourne will undoubtedly provide a significant boost, adding to her already impressive form. On the other hand, Baptiste has struggled with consistency, especially on hard courts, and her path to this round included a tough three-set battle. Although Baptiste holds a 1-0 head-to-head advantage, the current form and support for Hunter make her a strong contender. The +2.5 games spread also leans towards Hunter, as she has shown the ability to dominate matches without dropping a set. Given these factors, it seems like a smart bet to back Storm Hunter to win this match.