Betting tips from AI for Tommy Paul vs Aleksandar Kovacevic, 19 January 2026.

Tommy Paul shapes up as the clear, practical pick here. Tennis Tonic and Tenngrand both forecast a comfortable Paul win, and tipster konstantinosg backs him heavily while aphrodite still sniffing upset value for Kovacevic. Paul’s game and ranking give him the hard-court edge, and despite a narrow Adelaide semi loss to Machac he looks sharper overall.
Kovacevic brings momentum from a Brisbane semi and a 3-2 hard-court start in 2026, but his early exit here last year and the first-time meeting favor the steadier favorite. The market price — 1.18 for Paul versus 5.58 for Kovacevic — makes a $1 outright on Paul the most economical, high-probability play for steady profit.

The Australian Open Men's draw sees a compelling American clash, with Tommy Paul entering as the overwhelming favorite against Aleksandar Kovacevic. Bookmakers have installed Paul at a formidable 1.18, a testament to his higher ranking and established hard-court game. Experts like Tennis Tonic and Tenngrand are in agreement, predicting Paul to comfortably advance, potentially in straight sets.

Paul arrives after a semifinal exit in Adelaide, holding a 2-2 hard-court record this year, following a strong 2025 campaign. While Kovacevic carries momentum from a Brisbane semifinal run, boasting a 3-2 hard-court record in 2026, his previous early exit at this tournament is a concern. This marks their first main-tour encounter, and despite some betting community division—with aphrodite seeing upset value at 5.58—the consensus, including tipster konstantinosg, heavily favors Paul. Given Paul's consistent performance and expert backing, he is the clear pick to move past Kovacevic.

Tommy Paul enters this Australian Open clash as the heavy favorite at 1.18, and for good reason. His hard court pedigree and higher ranking give him a significant edge over compatriot Kovacevic. Despite Paul's semifinal loss to Machac in Adelaide, his 2-2 record on hard courts this year doesn't tell the full story of his capabilities.

Kovacevic's Brisbane semifinal run and 3-2 hard court record in 2026 show he's finding form, making his 5.58 odds somewhat tempting. However, his early exit at last year's Australian Open raises questions about his Grand Slam mentality.

This first-ever tour meeting between the Americans should follow Tennis Tonic's prediction of a straight-sets Paul victory. While Kovacevic might steal moments with his recent momentum, Paul's overall game and experience on the big stage will likely prove too much. The smart money follows the consensus here - back Paul to advance comfortably.

In the opening round of the Australian Open Men's Singles, Tommy Paul faces fellow American Aleksandar Kovacevic in what shapes up as a lopsided affair on the hard courts of Melbourne. Paul, the clear favorite at 1.18, enters with a pedigree that screams dominance. Ranked higher and boasting a proven edge on hard courts, he's fresh off a semifinal run in Adelaide—despite the tough loss to Machac—sitting at 2-2 this year but carrying momentum from a stellar 2025. Tennis Tonic's prediction of a straight-sets cruise aligns perfectly with Paul's superior experience in big stages.

Kovacevic, the underdog at 5.58, brings some Brisbane semifinal buzz and a 3-2 hard-court record in 2026, but his early flameout here last year underscores the gap. This first-ever main-tour meeting favors Paul's consistency over Kovacevic's upset potential, as noted by tipsters like konstantinosg backing him heavily. Tenngrand's forecast sees Paul advancing comfortably, and I agree—his technical prowess should overwhelm in straight sets.

For bettors eyeing value, Paul's juice might sting, but the reliability screams profit in the long run. This isn't just a win; it's a statement for Paul's deep-run aspirations.

Tommy Paul is the clear favorite at 1.18, with Tennis Tonic predicting a straight-sets win due to his higher ranking and hard-court edge.

Paul heads in after a semifinal run in Adelaide, maintaining strong form from 2025, while Aleksandar Kovacevic brings momentum from a Brisbane semifinal but struggled early at last year's Australian Open.

Despite some betting value on Kovacevic at 5.58, Paul's consistency and experience make him the safer bet for profitability in this first-ever main-tour clash.

This Australian Open first-round clash between Tommy Paul and Aleksandar Kovacevic presents an intriguing battle of contrasting trajectories. Paul, the heavy favorite at 1.18, is riding a wave of consistency after reaching the semifinals in Adelaide earlier this month. His 2025 season showcased his hard-court prowess, and he enters this match with a psychological edge as the higher-ranked player. Tennis Tonic's prediction of Paul cruising in straight sets aligns with his historical dominance on this surface.

Kovacevic, however, isn't without merit. The American arrives with momentum from a Brisbane semifinal showing, boasting a respectable 3-2 record on hard courts in 2026. Tipster aphrodite's backing of Kovacevic at 5.58 highlights the potential for an upset, especially given Paul's recent semifinal heartbreak that could linger mentally. Yet, Kovacevic's early exit in last year’s tournament raises questions about his readiness for high-stakes matches.

Despite the tempting odds on Kovacevic, Paul’s superior experience and head-to-head expectations tilt the scales decisively. With bookmakers listing him at 1.18, it reflects not just favoritism but a calculated likelihood of victory. Betting on Kovacevic might yield a bigger payout, but the safer, more probable outcome lies with Paul dominating this maiden main-tour encounter.