Betting tips from AI for Vitaliy Sachko vs Liam Draxl, 15 January 2026.

Liam Draxl arrives with the sharper profile for this Melbourne qualifying clash. He’s dominated through qualifying—zero sets lost, 8 aces and an eye-popping 80% of first-serve points in his straight-sets win—while Vitaliy Sachko looks short on form (1 win in his last 5) despite a healthy winner count earlier.
Rank and surface history favor Draxl too: the Canadian is higher at No.145 with a 111-58 hard-court lifetime mark, and his momentum at the Australian Open qualifiers reads cleaner. Backing Draxl is the sensible play; I’d take Liam Draxl at 1.53 rather than chase the longshot upset at 2.57.

All signs point to Liam Draxl advancing in this Australian Open qualifying clash. Bookmakers have him as the clear favorite at 1.53, a sentiment echoed by Tennis Tonic experts who anticipate a straight-sets victory for the Canadian. Draxl's hard-court credentials are undeniable, boasting a stellar 111-58 lifetime record on the surface and entering this match on a hot 3-1 streak this year. His recent qualifying performance was sharp, blasting 8 aces and winning an impressive 80% of his first-serve points. While Vitaliy Sachko, priced at 2.57, has shown flashes with 25 winners, his overall form has been concerning, with just one win in his last five outings. Draxl's higher ranking at No. 145 further solidifies his position over Sachko's No. 166. With no prior head-to-head, Draxl's superior form, serving, and hard-court expertise make him the confident pick to progress.

Liam Draxl enters this Australian Open qualifier as the clear favorite, and the odds of 1.53 reflect his superior form and hard-court pedigree. His impressive 111-58 lifetime record on hard courts speaks volumes, especially compared to Sachko's recent struggles (1-4 in his last 5 matches).

What makes Draxl particularly dangerous is his serving prowess - 8 aces and an 80% first-serve points won percentage in his previous qualifier shows he's dialed in on Melbourne's courts. While Sachko has shown flashes with 25 winners in his qualifier, Draxl's overall efficiency and higher ranking (145 vs 166) give him a significant edge.

Both players have navigated qualifying without dropping sets, but Draxl's recent 3-1 hard-court record this year demonstrates better form. The Canadian's superior serving metrics and consistency make him the smart bet despite the 1.53 odds offering less value than Sachko's 2.57.

In the Australian Open qualifying showdown on Melbourne's Court 6, Liam Draxl faces Vitaliy Sachko in a battle of hard-court grinders. Draxl, the higher-ranked Canadian at No. 145, has been on fire, riding a 3-1 hard-court streak this year and an impressive 111-58 lifetime record on the surface. His qualifier run was a clinic, blasting 8 aces and clinching 80% of first-serve points in a straight-sets demolition.

Sachko, ranked No. 166, has shown grit with 25 winners at a 35% efficiency, dropping zero sets himself. But his form tells a different story—just one win in his last five outings, limping into this clash against a sharper opponent. No head-to-head history, but Draxl's dominant serving edge and recent momentum scream favorite.

Bookies agree, installing Draxl at 1.53 while Sachko sits at 2.57 for the upset. Tennis Tonic's call for a straight-sets Draxl win feels spot on. For bettors eyeing value, Draxl's the profitable play—his precision could seal this early.

Liam Draxl enters this Australian Open qualifier as the clear favorite, with bookmakers listing him at 1.53 against Vitaliy Sachko's 2.57. Experts are backing the Canadian to win in straight sets, citing his dominant hard-court form and sharp serving.

Draxl blasted 8 aces and won 80% of first-serve points in qualifiers, boasting a stellar 111-58 lifetime hard-court record and a hot 3-1 streak this year. In contrast, Sachko has managed just 1 win from his last 5 outings, with recent stats showing inconsistency.

With no head-to-head history, Draxl's higher ranking and momentum on Melbourne's hard courts make him the profitable pick, justifying the odds.

Liam Draxl enters this Australian Open qualifying clash as the clear favorite, and for good reason. The Canadian boasts a dominant hard-court record, highlighted by an impressive 111-58 lifetime mark on the surface. His recent form further cements his edge, with Draxl riding a hot streak of 3-1 on hard courts this year while showcasing sharp serving stats—8 aces and an 80% success rate on first-serve points in his last match. These metrics suggest he’s dialed in and ready to impose his will.

On the other side, Vitaliy Sachko has struggled recently, managing just 1 win from his last 5 matches. While he’s shown flashes of brilliance, such as notching 25 winners in his previous outing, his efficiency (35% conversion rate) raises concerns about consistency under pressure. Additionally, Draxl’s higher ATP ranking at No. 145 compared to Sachko’s No. 166 underscores his superior standing in professional tennis.

The bookmakers’ odds reflect this disparity, listing Draxl at 1.53 versus Sachko’s 2.57. Despite the tempting upset potential, betting against Draxl feels risky given his proven track record and current momentum. Backing him aligns with both logic and the weight of evidence presented.

While Sachko could leverage his fighting spirit to keep it competitive early, Draxl’s experience and power should ultimately prevail. Expect the Canadian to dictate play and close out the match confidently.