On January 18, 2026, Elise Mertens, currently ranked No. 21 in the world, will face off against Lanlana Tararudee, who holds the No. 131 spot, in the Round of 128 at the Australian Open. Mertens is positioned as the favorite for this match, with odds of -350, while Tararudee enters as the underdog with odds set at +260. The match will be broadcast on ESPN+, and sports fans can look forward to watching the tournament from January 12 to January 31.
Match Details and Betting Insights
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, Mertens holds a substantial implied probability of 77.8% to secure a victory against Tararudee. The odds reflect her strong performance on hard courts over the past year, including a record of 17-12 in matches on this surface. Mertens has demonstrated a solid service game, winning 73.9% of her service games and converting 42.3% of her break points.
In contrast, Tararudee has struggled to find success on hard courts recently, with a 10-6 record and no titles to her name over the past year. Her service game has a winning percentage of 69.4%, while her return game has been less effective, with a 41.3% success rate on break points.
The stakes are high for both players as they aim to advance further in this prestigious Grand Slam tournament. Mertens will be looking to capitalize on her experience and higher ranking, while Tararudee seeks to prove her mettle against a seasoned opponent.
Recent Performances and Expectations
Mertens recently faced a setback in her previous tournament, the Kinoshita Group Japan Open, where she was eliminated in the Round of 16 by Tereza Valentova with a score of 4-6, 1-6. Despite this loss, her overall statistics indicate a player capable of significant achievements, especially on hard courts.
Tararudee’s last appearance was at the AO Asia-Pacific Wildcard Playoff, where she was eliminated in the semifinals by En-Shuo Liang after a hard-fought match ending 7-6, 1-6, 3-6. While she has shown moments of promise, consistency will be key for her to challenge Mertens effectively.
As the Australian Open progresses, both players will look to harness their strengths and adjust their strategies, making this matchup one to watch closely. The outcome could set the tone for their respective journeys in this year’s tournament, with Mertens aiming for a deep run and Tararudee hoping to make a mark in a major event.
Fans can follow the action live through various platforms, ensuring they do not miss any of the thrilling moments from this iconic tournament.
