<p><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/tennis/ladies-australian-open/ladies-australian-open-winner-2026-8892430">The Australian Open 2026</a> first round presents an intriguing clash in the<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/australian-open/predictions/ladies-draw-2026"> women’s bracket</a> between home favourite Ajla Tomljanovic and Ukrainian challenger Yuliia Starodubtseva.</p> <p>With the Aussie crowd firmly behind Tomljanovic, the stage is set for what promises to be a compelling opening round encounter at Melbourne Park.</p> <p>Tomljanovic enters this match as the clear favourite, backed by impressive first-round form that has seen her claim victory in each of her last six WTA first round matches.</p> <p>This remarkable streak demonstrates her ability to start tournaments strongly and suggests she's well-prepared for the unique pressures of opening round encounters.</p> <p>The Croatian-Australian's experience on home soil at Melbourne Park cannot be understated, with the local support and familiar conditions providing additional motivation.</p> <p>However, Starodubtseva arrives with her own credentials and shouldn't be underestimated. The Ukrainian has shown she can trouble higher-ranked opponents and will be looking to cause an upset in front of the Melbourne crowd.</p> <p>Her aggressive style and fearless approach could pose problems for Tomljanovic if the favourite doesn't start strongly.</p> <p>An interesting statistical trend adds another layer to this matchup. In each of Tomljanovic's last three WTA main draw matches, the underdog has claimed the opening set.</p> <p>This pattern suggests that despite her strong first-round record, Tomljanovic may be vulnerable to early pressure from opponents who come out firing from the first ball.</p> <p>Will this trend continue here and if so, will Tomljanovic be able to fight from a set down to advance to the second round of the 2026 Australian Open?</p> <p>For the latest analysis, odds and betting tips ahead of this first round match, check out our Ajla Tomljanovic vs Yuliia Starodubtseva prediction below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Tomljanovic vs Starodubtseva Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Match Betting</h3> <p>The head-to-head market clearly favours Tomljanovic at $1.72, with Starodubtseva paying $2.10 for the upset victory.</p> <p>These odds reflect not only Tomljanovic's superior ranking and recent first-round success but also the advantage of playing at home in Australia.</p> <p>Tomljanovic's perfect six-match streak in WTA first rounds demonstrates her ability to handle the pressure of tournament openers effectively.</p> <p>Her familiarity with Australian Open conditions and the support of the home crowd should provide additional confidence.</p> <p>While Starodubtseva represents solid value as an underdog, Tomljanovic's recent form and home advantage make her the logical choice for this encounter.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/tennis/ladies-australian-open/yuliia-starodubtseva-v-ajla-tomljanovic-10048501">Ajla Tomljanovic</a>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Set Betting</h3> <p>The set betting market offers Tomljanovic at $2.60 to win in straight sets, while Starodubtseva is priced at $3.35 for a 2-0 victory. The three-set options see Tomljanovic at $4.30 and Starodubtseva at $4.75 to win 2-1.</p> <p>Tomljanovic's experience and current form should see her progress without too much drama, however, as previously mentioned, in each of Tomljanovic's last three WTA main draw matches, the underdog has claimed the opening set.</p> <p>That statistic makes backing the value play of Starodubtseva sniping a set a very viable option.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/tennis/ladies-australian-open/yuliia-starodubtseva-v-ajla-tomljanovic-10048501">Ajla Tomljanovic 2-1.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Total Match Games</h3> <p>The total match games line has been set at 21.5, with the over paying $1.96 and the under at $1.78. This line suggests a relatively straightforward victory for the favourite.</p> <p>However, if our prediction of a 2-1 victory for Tomljanovic proves accurate, the match is likely to go over this total.</p> <p>Particularly as both players possess the ability to hold serve and create competitive games.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/tennis/ladies-australian-open/yuliia-starodubtseva-v-ajla-tomljanovic-10048501">Under 21.5 total match games.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>*Odds are subject to change&nbsp;</em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Where to Watch the Ajla Tomljanovic vs Yuliia Starodubtseva Australian Open Match?</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>For those in Australia, you can watch the 2025 Australian Open first round match between Ajla Tomljanovic and Yuliia Starodubtseva on the Nine Network.</p> <p>Available on both free-to-air on Channel 9, and 9Gem, you can also watch the match online on 9Now.</p> <p>Alternatively, you can stream the first round match on streaming service Stan Sport.</p>