<p><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/tennis/mens-australian-open/men-s-australian-open-winner-2026-8896398">The Australian Open 2026</a> second round is set to serve up a David vs Goliath encounter as hometown hero James Duckworth prepares to face the all-conquering Jannik Sinner at Melbourne Park.</p> <p>With Sinner entering as an overwhelming favourite at $1.001, this match presents one of the most lopsided betting propositions of the tournament's opening week.</p> <p>Sinner's dominance on the Grand Slam stage continues to reach unprecedented levels, with the Italian having won each of his last 25 Grand Slam main draw matches against older opponents.</p> <p>This remarkable statistic highlights just how clinical the defending champion has become when facing seasoned competitors like Duckworth.</p> <p>The Australian wildcard faces an uphill battle against arguably the most consistent player in world tennis. Duckworth's recent Australian Open form against right-handed opponents raises concerns, having failed to cover the game handicap in eight of his last nine main draw matches in this specific scenario.</p> <p>Against Sinner's relentless baseline power and court coverage, the 32-year-old will need to produce the performance of his career and then some.</p> <p>Sinner's preparation for this Australian summer appears flawless, with the Italian looking to cement his status as the tournament's premier attraction. His ability to neutralise opponents through precise shot-making and tactical awareness makes him virtually unbeatable when operating at full capacity.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Duckworth vs Sinner Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Match Betting</h3> <p>The head-to-head market tells a compelling story of complete dominance favouring the Italian. At $1.001, Sinner represents one of the shortest-priced favourites in recent Australian Open memory, reflecting the consensus that he should be able to navigate past Duckworth with minimal resistance.</p> <p>Duckworth's $34.00 odds suggest punters would need a miracle to see the Australian progress. While home crowd support at Melbourne Park can inspire remarkable performances, Sinner's current form and superior ranking create an almost insurmountable gulf in quality between these competitors. However, stranger things have happened.</p> <p>The statistical evidence supporting Sinner's dominance over older opponents cannot be ignored. His 25-match winning streak against such rivals demonstrates a monumental mental and physical superiority.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/tennis/mens-australian-open/james-duckworth-v-jannik-sinner-10066631">Jannik Sinner.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Set Betting</h3> <p>Expecting Duckworth to trouble Sinner across multiple sets would be optimistic given their respective form lines and ranking differential.</p> <p>The Australian's struggles covering game handicaps against right-handed opponents at Melbourne Park suggest he may find it difficult to maintain competitive intensity throughout lengthy exchanges.</p> <p>Sinner's efficiency in dispatching lower-ranked opponents typically results in straight-sets victories. His ability to raise his level during crucial moments makes extended battles unlikely against players outside the world's top echelon.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/tennis/mens-australian-open/james-duckworth-v-jannik-sinner-10066631">Sinner 3-0.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Total Match Games</h3> <p>With Sinner expected to control proceedings from the opening game, this match projects as a relatively brief encounter by Grand Slam standards.</p> <p>Duckworth's documented struggles against right-handed opponents at this venue suggest limited resistance against the world number one's relentless pressure.</p> <p>The Italian's clinical finishing ability should result in a match that concludes well before reaching marathon territory.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/tennis/mens-australian-open/james-duckworth-v-jannik-sinner-10066631">Under total match games.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Where to Watch the Duckworth vs Sinner Australian Open Match</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>For those in Australia, you can watch the 2026 Australian Open Second Round match between James Duckworth and Jannik Sinner 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 Australian Open match on streaming service Stan Sport.</p>