It’s time for the first Grand Slam of the year! The Australian Open 2026 is back for another edition, marking the first major betting event this year. Australian Open 2026 betting markets are already live at the top Canadian sportsbooks, with the action at Melbourne Park commencing on January 12.
The first Grand Slam is a major endurance test for the Australian Open favorites. Played under scorching heat on high-speed courts, it will bring drama and excitement until February 1. Join us as we unfold the top odds, tennis betting tips 2026, and favorites for the Happy Slam, including an overview of how Canadian’s elite tennis players might fare.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Event dates | January 12-February 1, 2026 |
| Location | Melbourne Park, Australia |
| Surface | GreenSet, outdoor hard courts |
| Total prize pool | A$111,500,000 |
| Defending men’s champion | Jannik Sinner |
| Defending women’s champion | Madison Keys |
| Top Canadian seeds | Félix Auger-Aliassime, Victoria Mboko |
AO 2026 Men’s Singles Tournament – Favorites and Odds
The new ATP betting season begins with an enticing power struggle. We’re officially in the era of the new big three, although legends such as Novak Djokovic refuse to fade.
The three top frontrunners include Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic. They’re the leading Australian Open 2026 betting favorites at the top Ontario sportsbooks. These players are joined by young players and Canadian fan-favorites, including Felix Auger-Aliassime.
The 2026 ATP season begins with a fascinating power struggle. We are officially in the era of the “New Big Three,” but the veteran legends refuse to fade quietly into the Melbourne sunset.
The Frontrunners
Jannik Sinner
Sitting at -111 at BetPlays, Jannik Sinner is the overwhelming favorite to win the Australian Open for a third year in a row. While he’s dropped to the number 2 spot on the ATP Tour, Sinner’s heavy serves and hard-court specials are an ideal fit for the GreenSet courts. He won Wimbledon in addition to AO last year, and he’ll be looking for even more this season.
Carlos Alcaraz
After winning two Grand Slams last year, including the French Open and the US Open, Alcaraz is looking for the elusive AO title. It will help him complete the career Grand Slam at just the age of 22, which is astonishing. The Spaniard is a strong contender, with Carlos Alcaraz’s odds offering better value than Sinner’s odds.
Novak Djokovic
Who can count Novak Djokovic out? The legendary Serbian player returns at Melbourne Park as the third-spot favorite at major outlets such as Sports Interaction. While his age is slowing him down, his AO 2026 odds offer great returns. And, to be honest, you can never back anyone against him. If healthy, Djokovic can reach the final, and possibly snag the record 11th AO trophy.
Felix-Auger Aliassime
All eyes are on Felix Auger-Aliassime, the local fan-favorite in Melbourne. A resurgent end of 2026 saw him climb back into the top 5. Auger-Aliassime has seemingly matured, playing much more aggressively in recent months. His AO 2026 odds put him in dark horse territory, but seasoned bettors know that in this era, anyone can reach a Grand Slam final.
| Player | Odds |
| Jannik Sinner | -111 |
| Carlos Alcaraz | +160 |
| Novak Djokovic | +1000 |
| Alexander Zverev | +1400 |
| Daniil Medvedev | +2000 |
| Taylor Fritz | +3400 |
Source: BetPlays. Odds are subject to change.
AO 2026 Women’s Singles Tournament – Favorites and Odds
Unlike the men’s singles tournament, the women’s singles AO 2026 tournament is very different. Instead of the duopoly on the ATP Tour, the WTA Tour delivers diverse winners for nearly every Grand Slam.
Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek lead the Australian Open 2026 betting odds. They’re followed by Elena Rybakina, Coco Gauff, and Amanda Anisimova. Defending champion Madison Keys is buried lower on the list of Australian Open favorites, highlighting the open hunt for the trophy.
With strong odds for the favorites, bettors from Canada should do some research before placing bets. Madison Keys has underdog odds as the defending champ, with emerging talents such as Amanda Anisimova offering value, too. These value picks may deliver solid profits at the best Ontario sportsbooks, and are supplemented by match markets, live betting options, and other picks for parlays.
| Player | Odds |
| Aryna Sabalenka | +220 |
| Iga Swiatek | +450 |
| Elena Rybakina | +800 |
| Coco Gauff | +1000 |
| Amanda Anisimova | +1000 |
| Mirra Andreeva | +1200 |
Source: BetPlays. Odds are subject to change.
How to Bet on the Australian Open 2026
New bettors might be confused on how to bet on the Australian Open 2026. In reality, it’s pretty easy. We’ll share a guide on placing your first bet at the best betting sites in Canada.
- Choose a trusted sportsbook: Depending on your location, you can find licensed Ontario sportsbooks or trusted betting sites in other provinces at stakereviews. Look for reputable offshore-licensed sites such as BetPlays for a proper betting experience.
- Make your first deposit: Register and make your first deposit, then take a look at the betting bonuses. Most sportsbooks will have a welcome bonus to begin with.
- Go to the tennis betting page: Explore all the markets including AO 2026 for a preview of all the action and Australian Open favorites.
- Place your bet: If you’ve picked your markets, place your wager. Click on the odds, place your bet, and you’ll get an instant profit calculation.
Top Australian Open 2026 Betting Markets
The best Canadian tennis betting sites offer numerous markets to place wagers on. These range from early tournament outrights to match betting, in-play tennis betting wagers, totals, and point and set betting.
- Match winner (moneyline): Picking a player to win the match.
- Set betting: Betting on the exact score of a match (for example, Alcaraz to win 3-0)
- Over/Under games: In tennis betting, punters can wager over or under the total number of games set by a bookie.
- Live tennis betting: Offers unique opportunities such as next game winner or next set/serve winner while the match is in progress.
The diversity of betting options in 2026 is suitable for new and experienced bettors. Besides the four most popular Australian Open 2026 betting markets, you can also wager on handicaps and even prop bets, which focus on number of aces, double faults, and other stats.
Live Betting on the AO 2026
Live betting often comes with valuable picks in tennis. Momentum shifts are common in Melbourne, and when you factor in the high-speed surface and the extreme heat, in-play opportunities are a great choice.
Smart bettors should look for dips. For example, if Sinner or Djokovic lose a set, their live betting odds will skyrocket. Both are known to turn matches, so being a set down is not a big issue. Bettors who believe players have the fitness to endure a five-set grind can benefit from a comeback wager.
On top of that, the top betting sites in Canada have a number of in-play tennis betting markets, such as winner of the next point, game, or set. Many of them also offer live streaming, allowing bettors to watch a match and benefit from surging odds immediately.
Australian Open 2026 Betting Tips
When considering tennis betting tips 2026, especially for the AO, bettors from Canada should analyze several factors.
First up is the heat factor. It’s scorching heat in Australia, despite being winter in Europe. Success in Melbourne depends more than just the rankings. It’s the first Grand Slam of the year, and players don’t have a lot of time to warm up. Temperatures can exceed 40C, so players with superior fitness should fare better.
This also means shorter rallies in the opening rounds, as everyone is looking to survive the first week and reach the second in shape.
The temperature also affects daily and nightly matches differently. Australian Open favorites are usually booked in the evenings, which gives them an advantage. Additionally, some players perform better under the lights, which should also be considered before betting.
Lead-up events can also say a lot about a player’s form. Analyze recent event winners, as they usually carry the good form to Australia.
As always, we strongly recommend betting responsibly. Read up on the responsible gambling material at the top Canadian online bookies to learn how to manage your bankroll and more.
If possible, check out for betting bonuses and free bets for Australian Open 2026 betting. Many online sportsbooks will offer promos and bonuses that qualify for AO 2026 odds.
Final Thoughts: Ready for High-Speed Tennis Betting Action?
The 2026 Australian Open is shaping up to be a landmark tournament. It may be Djokovic’s last appearance before retirement, and it might provide strong opportunities for Canadian stars such as Felix Auger-Aliassime and Victoria Mboko. The Sinner vs Alcaraz rivalry is shaping up even further, with a possible final between two of tennis’ biggest stars right now.
Because of all of this, there’s never been a better time to get involved. Manage your bankroll, bet responsibly, use bonuses, and bet on the top Australian Open 2026 betting markets at the top Canadian sportsbooks at stakereviews.
