Aryna Sabalenka vs Rakotomanga Rajaonah prediction, betting tips & odds, head-to-head, preview: Australian Open 2026

Sabalenka will be looking to win her third title in Melbourne this year.

The 2026 Australian Open kicks off with a tantalizing mismatch in the women’s singles first round, pitting world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka against rising French-Malagasy talent Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah.

The 27-year-old Belarusian powerhouse enters Melbourne Park as the top seed and a two-time champion, hungry to reclaim the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup after falling short in the 2025 final to Madison Keys.

With her thunderous serve and aggressive baseline game, Sabalenka has dominated hard courts, amassing a staggering 20-1 record at the Australian Open over the past three years.

This match, scheduled for January 18 on Rod Laver Arena, represents a classic David-vs.-Goliath scenario, where experience clashes with youthful ambition in the sweltering Australian summer.

Rakotomanga Rajaonah, a 20-year-old left-hander ranked No. 118, received a wildcard entry as a French player, marking her Grand Slam main-draw debut outside of Roland Garros.

Hailing from Antsirabe, Madagascar, but based in France, she burst onto the scene in 2025 with a breakthrough season, capturing her first WTA 125 title in Sao Paulo and reaching the quarterfinals in Rouen.

pic.twitter.com/AOmRcFJzMm

— News Aryna Sabalenka (@Sabanewsss) January 17, 2026

Match details

• Tournament: Australian Open 2026
• Round: First round
• Date: January 18
• Venue: Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, Australia
• Surface: Hard Court

Preview

Sabalenka has started 2026 in imperious fashion, racing to a 5-0 record and successfully defending her Brisbane International title with convincing wins over the likes of Madison Keys and Karolina Muchova.

Her explosive forehand, improved composure under pressure, and proven pedigree on Australian hard courts make her exceptionally difficult to stop, especially after a stellar 2025 that featured a US Open title and runner-up finishes at the Australian Open, Roland Garros, and the WTA Finals.

By contrast, Rakotomanga Rajaonah has endured a slow start to the year, losing her only 2026 match so far in Hobart qualifying.

While her 2025 season showed promise, particularly on clay, her hard-court results remain uneven and her defensive, counterpunching style lacks the serve and firepower to consistently trouble elite opponents.

With no prior head-to-head and limited experience in high-pressure settings, she faces a steep challenge against Sabalenka’s sustained aggression, and while she may prolong rallies to steal a few games, the matchup strongly points toward a one-sided outcome.

Form

Aryna Sabalenka: L-W-W-W-W

Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah: L-L-W-W-L

Head-to-head record

• Matches: 0
• Aryna Sabalenka: 0
• Rakotomanga Rajaonah: 0

Stats

Aryna Sabalenka

• Sabalenka has a 30-7 win-loss record in Melbourne
• Sabalenka was the 2025 Australian Open champion
• Sabalenka has a 75% winning record on hardcourt

Rakotomanga Rajaonah

• Rakotomanga Rajaonah has a 0-0 win-loss record in Melbourne
• Rakotomanga Rajaonah did not play the 2025 Australian Open singles event
• Rakotomanga Rajaonah has a 44% winning record on hardcourt

Also Read: Top five title favourites in women’s singles at Australian Open 2026

Aryna Sabalenka vs Rakotomanga Rajaonah: Betting tips and odds

• Moneyline: Aryna Sabalenka -10000, Rakotomanga Rajaonah +2800
• Spread: Aryna Sabalenka -1.5 (-1590), Rakotomanga Rajaonah +8.5 (-115)
• Total games: Over 15.5 (+1026), Under 15.5 (-115)
• 1st set winner: Aryna Sabalenka -5070, Rakotomanga Rajaonah +1296

Match Prediction

Given the gulf in experience, form, and proven success on Australian hard courts, Sabalenka is expected to assert control from the outset and dictate proceedings with her serve and forehand on Rod Laver Arena.

The top seed’s ability to take time away from opponents and convert pressure moments efficiently should overwhelm Rakotomanga Rajaonah, who is still adjusting to the intensity of Grand Slam main draws and elite opposition. Expect Sabalenka to register comfortable straight sets victory.

Result: Aryna Sabalenka to win in straight sets.

Where and how to watch live streaming and TV broadcast of Aryna Sabalenka vs Rakotomanga Rajaonah, first-round match at Australian Open 2026?

The opening round clash will be available for the Indian viewers on the Sony Sports Network on TV and its streaming service Sony Liv.

In the USA, the first Major of the year is being telecasted on the ESPN sports network and is being streamed on Fubo. In the UK, the match will be broadcast live on Eurosport. It will also be available for users on the Discovery+ app.

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