Betting tips from AI for Suzan Lamens vs Anastasia Potapova, 18 January 2026.

I’m backing Anastasia Potapova to take the opener in Melbourne. Potapova enters as the cleaner, higher-ranked option and is priced as the clear favorite at 1.57.

Suzan Lamens (listed at 2.54) looks vulnerable: WTA 95, a 47% win rate in 2025, a three-match skid including a straight-sets loss to Iga Swiatek, and weak hard-court results (9-17 last year). Her 7-17 mark versus top-50 opponents suggests she struggles to lift her level against foes like Potapova.

This is a low-upset environment in Round 1 on Melbourne’s outdoor hard courts. The safer $1 play for steady bankroll growth is Potapova to win the match at the listed odds.

This Australian Open first-round clash sees Anastasia Potapova as the strong favorite, with her 1.57 odds reflecting a significant edge over Suzan Lamens. Lamens, ranked WTA 95, is coming off a rough 2025 with only a 47% win rate and enters Melbourne on a three-match skid. Her recent hard-court form is particularly concerning, highlighted by a straight-sets loss to Iga Swiatek and a qualifying exit in Hobart.

Lamens' struggles on hard courts are further evidenced by her 9-17 record over the last year and a dismal 7-17 against top-50 opponents. With Potapova seeded at No. 54, this matchup on Melbourne's outdoor hard courts presents a stern test Lamens is unlikely to overcome. Potapova, the higher-ranked and more consistent player, is poised to capitalize on Lamens' current slump and secure a straightforward victory.

Anastasia Potapova enters this Australian Open clash as the justified favorite at 1.57 against the struggling Suzan Lamens. The Dutch player's recent form raises serious concerns, coming in on a three-match losing streak that includes a comprehensive defeat to Iga Swiatek and a qualifying round exit in Hobart.

Lamens' hard court statistics tell a troubling story - a 9-17 record over the past year and a particularly poor 7-17 showing against top-50 opponents. Currently ranked 95th with just a 47% win rate in 2025, she faces an uphill battle against the 54th-ranked Potapova.

The Russian has demonstrated more consistency at this level and should handle the pressure of being favored. While Lamens might show flashes of her potential, Potapova's superior ranking and experience on hard courts should prove decisive in this first-round encounter in Melbourne. The odds accurately reflect the gap between these players.

In the Australian Open women's opener, Dutch underdog Suzan Lamens faces a tough uphill battle against Anastasia Potapova on Melbourne's outdoor hard courts. Lamens, ranked WTA 95, has endured a turbulent 2025 with a mere 47% win rate, capped by a three-match losing streak that includes a straight-sets loss to world No. 1 Iga Swiatek at the United Cup and an early exit in Hobart qualifying. Her hard-court form over the past year stands at a dismal 9-17, particularly against top-50 players where she's just 7-17.

Potapova, seeded at No. 54, enters as the clear favorite with 1.57 odds reflecting her superior recent play and comfort on this surface. Lamens' +154 underdog status tempts value seekers, but her shaky form against higher-ranked foes screams caution. This matchup favors experience and consistency, pointing to a Potapova victory in straight sets.

For bettors eyeing profit on a $1 wager, Potapova's line offers a safer path to returns, capitalizing on Lamens' vulnerabilities in high-stakes Grand Slam debuts.

Dutch underdog Suzan Lamens faces a stern test against Anastasia Potapova in the Australian Open first round. Lamens is on a three-match skid, with a shaky 9-17 hard-court record over the past year and a dismal 7-17 mark against top-50 foes, including a recent drubbing by Iga Swiatek.

Potapova, seeded No. 54, holds the edge as the favorite with odds of 1.57, while Lamens is at 2.54. Given Lamens' struggles and Potapova's consistency, betting on Potapova offers a profitable opportunity in this mismatch.

This Australian Open first-round clash between Suzan Lamens and Anastasia Potapova presents an intriguing betting opportunity, though the odds suggest a clear favorite. Lamens, ranked WTA 95, enters this match on the back of a challenging 2025 season where she managed only a 47% win rate. Her recent form is even more concerning, with three consecutive losses, including a straight-sets defeat against world No. 1 Iga Swiatek. On hard courts, her record over the past year stands at a modest 9-17, raising doubts about her ability to handle the Melbourne conditions effectively.

Potapova, seeded at No. 54, comes into this match as the clear favorite with odds of 1.57. Her higher ranking and more consistent performances against top-tier opponents make her a formidable opponent for Lamens. While Lamens' underdog status offers tempting odds of 2.54, her recent struggles on hard courts and poor record against top-50 players (7-17) suggest she may find it difficult to pull off an upset here.

Given the matchup dynamics, Potapova's superior form, and Lamens' evident challenges in high-stakes situations, backing the favorite appears to be the more prudent choice. The odds reflect Potapova’s edge, but her consistency makes her worth the investment despite the lower payout.