Jannik Sinner vs James Duckworth prediction, betting tips & odds, head-to-head, preview: Australian Open 2026
Jannik Sinner is looking to complete a rare three-peat in Melbourne this year.
Jannik Sinner made a controlled start to his Australian Open 2026 title defence, advancing to the second round after Hugo Gaston was forced to retire with the score at 6-2, 6-1 on Rod Laver Arena. He will now take on James Duckworth on January 22, Thursday. Check the Jannik Sinner vs James Duckworth prediction below
The two-time defending champion was sharp from the outset, settling quickly after an early exchange and using his heavy groundstrokes to dictate rallies, racing through the opening two sets in just over an hour.
While the match ended prematurely due to Gaston’s physical struggles, Sinner will take positives from an efficient outing that conserved energy and rhythm.
Extending his Australian Open winning streak, the Italian looked composed and match-ready as he begins his bid for a historic third consecutive Melbourne crown.
His rival James Duckworth produced one of the best round-one wins of Australian Open 2026, clawing his way back from the brink to defeat Dino Prizmic 7-6(4), 3-6, 1-6, 7-5, 6-3 in a gripping four-hour, 22-minute first-round marathon.
Also Read: Top five title favourites in men’s singles at Australian Open 2026
Jannik Sinner vs James Duckworth match details
- Tournament: Australian Open 2026
- Round: Second round
- Date: January 22
- Venue: Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, Australia
- Surface: Hard Court
Jannik Sinner vs James Duckworth preview
Jannik Sinner’s win over Gaston made him the fourth player after Andre Agassi, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, to register fifteen consecutive wins in men’s singles at the Australian Open. The Italian holds a terrific record down under, and hopes to complete a rare three peat in 2026.
As he aims to defend his crown, local hope James Duckworth stands in his path, who overcame a thrilling five setter 7-6 (7-4), 3-6, 1-6, 7-5, 6-3 against Dino Prizmic with the backing of the crowd in the opening match.
The Aussie’s form prior to the Slam has been poor, having lost consecutive opening main-draw rounds in both Brisbane and Adelaide.
These two hold a history dating back to 2021. While the Italian holds the upper-hand in the rivalry, winning their most recent encounter in 2021 at Sofia, the Australian had downed Sinner (6-3 6-4) in a tense exchange during the round of 32 Cincinnati Open clash in the same year.
Form
- Jannik Sinner: W-W-W-W-W
- James Duckworth: W-L-L-W-W
Jannik Sinner vs James Duckworth head-to-head record
- Matches: 3
- Sinner: 2
- Duckworth : 1
Stats
Jannik Sinner
- Sinner has a 23-4 win-loss record in Melbourne
- Sinner was the 2025 Australian Open champion
- Sinner has a 76.39 % winning record on hardcourt
James Duckworth
- Duckworth has a 6-16 win-loss record in Melbourne
- Duckworth reached the second-round at the 2025 Australian Open
- Duckworth has a 60.82 % winning record on hardcourt
Jannik Sinner vs James Duckworth: Betting tips and odds
- Moneyline: Jannik Sinner -5345, James Duckworth +3000
- Spread: Jannik Sinner -1.5 (-2180), James Duckworth +10 (-105)
- Total games: Over 26.5 (-111), Under 26.5 (-110)
Match prediction
Jannik Sinner will enter this contest as the overwhelming favourite, and it is hard to look past the defending champion given the gulf in form, fitness, and baseline consistency between the two.
The Italian’s opening-round performance, although shortened, underlined how comfortable he looks on Rod Laver Arena, where his depth, pace, and backhand control routinely suffocate opponents.
Against a player like Duckworth, who thrives on rhythm and crowd momentum, Sinner’s ability to take time away and dictate neutral rallies should quickly tilt the match in his favour.
James Duckworth’s five-set escape in round one showcased immense grit and emotional resilience, but the physical toll of a four-hour-plus battle could prove decisive here.
Facing a relatively more rested and fresher Sinner, the Australian will likely struggle to sustain intensity over extended stretches, especially on serve and in longer exchanges.
Result: Jannik Sinner to win in straight sets.
Where and how to watch live streaming and TV broadcast of Jannik Sinner vs James Duckworth, second-round match at Australian Open 2026?
The second round clash in men’s singles 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.
Full worldwide broadcast details here.
When is the Jannik Sinner vs James Duckworth match scheduled?
The second-round match is scheduled for Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the Australian Open.
What is the head-to-head record between Sinner and Duckworth?
The two have faced each other three times, with Sinner leading 2–1 in their head-to-head record.
What is Jannik Sinner’s record at the Australian Open?
Jannik Sinner holds a 23–4 win-loss record in Melbourne and is the two-time defending Australian Open champion.
Who is the favourite to win the match?
Jannik Sinner is the clear favourite, given his dominant hard-court form, strong Australian Open record, and Duckworth’s recent five-set physical battle.
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Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.