<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> serves up another intriguing first-round encounter as local hope Aleksandar Vukic takes on Argentina's Thiago Agustin Tirante at Melbourne Park.</p> <p>With the match scheduled for around midday, Australian tennis fans will be eager to see if their compatriot can advance through to the second round on home soil.</p> <p>Vukic enters this Australian Open clash as the clear favourite at $1.37 compared to Tirante's $3.02. The Serbian-born Australian has enjoyed a solid preparation heading into the tournament and will be looking to capitalise on home crowd support to secure a comfortable victory.</p> <p>Tirante, meanwhile, arrives at the Australian Open with little to lose as the underdog. The Argentine will need to produce his best tennis to trouble the higher-ranked Vukic, but first-round matches at Grand Slams can often spring surprises.</p> <p>The head-to-head record between these two players suggests limited previous encounters, making this Australian Open first-round match particularly difficult to predict based on historical data alone.</p> <p>Still, that won’t stop us from giving it a red-hot go. For the latest odds, analysis and betting tips, check out our Aleksandar Vukic vs Thiago Agustin Tirante prediction below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Vukic vs Tirante Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Match Betting</h3> <p>When examining the head-to-head odds for this Australian Open first-round clash, Vukic's status as heavy favourite at $1.37 reflects both his higher ranking and home court advantage.</p> <p>The Australian has demonstrated consistent form leading into the tournament and should possess the technical superiority to handle Tirante's challenge.</p> <p>However, Vukic's recent pattern of slow starts in Australian conditions presents an interesting angle.</p> <p>The fact he has lost the first set in four of his last five ATP main draw matches as favourite in Australia suggests he may take time to find his rhythm against Tirante.</p> <p>Despite this concerning trend, Vukic's overall class should eventually shine through. His superior experience at this level, combined with the backing of the Melbourne crowd, gives him multiple advantages that should prove decisive over the course of the match.</p> <p>Tirante will need to produce career-best tennis to spring an upset, and while the Argentine possesses fighting spirit, the gulf in quality appears too significant to bridge.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/tennis/mens-australian-open/thiago-agustin-tirante-v-aleksandar-vukic-10048518">Aleksandar Vukic.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Set Betting</h3> <p>The set betting market for this Australian Open encounter suggests the match could extend beyond a straightforward sweep.</p> <p>Vukic's recent struggles with first sets in Australia, losing four of his last five opening sets as favourite, indicates Tirante may steal an early advantage.</p> <p>If the Argentine can capitalise on Vukic's traditionally slow starts, he could potentially take the opening set before the Australian finds his groove.</p> <p>However, once Vukic settles into the match, his superior consistency and court craft should allow him to assert control.</p> <p>A 3-1 victory for Vukic appears the most likely scenario, allowing for Tirante's potential early resistance while backing the favourite to demonstrate his class over the longer format.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/tennis/mens-australian-open/thiago-agustin-tirante-v-aleksandar-vukic-10048518">Vukic 3-1.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Total Match Games</h3> <p>The total match games line has been set at 38.5 for this Australian Open first-round encounter. Based on our prediction of Vukic winning in four sets, this total could prove close to the actual outcome.</p> <p>If the match follows the expected pattern of Tirante taking an early set before Vukic responds with three consecutive sets, the total games played should hover around the preset line. The key factor will be how competitive each individual set proves to be.</p> <p>Given both players' ability to hold serve effectively, and the potential for at least one set to extend to a tiebreak, the total games market offers value on the over.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/tennis/mens-australian-open/thiago-agustin-tirante-v-aleksandar-vukic-10048518">Over 38.5 total match games.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>*Odds are subject to change</em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Where to Watch the Vukic vs Tirante Australian Open Match?</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>For those in Australia, you can watch the 2026 Australian Open First Round match between Thiago Agustin Tirante and Aleksandar Vukic 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 First Round match on streaming service Stan Sport.</p>