<p>The 2026 Australian Open gets underway with local favourite Alexei Popyrin set to face French competitor Alexandre Müller in what promises to be an intriguing first-round encounter at Melbourne Park.</p> <p>With the home crowd firmly behind the Australian, this match presents excellent value for tennis betting enthusiasts looking to start the tournament with a strong wager.</p> <p>Popyrin enters this Australian Open clash as the clear favourite, with bookmakers pricing him at $1.44 to secure victory against Müller's $2.65.</p> <p>The odds reflect the significant gap in current form and rankings between these two competitors, setting up what could be a routine progression for the Australian if he brings his A-game to Rod Laver Arena.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Popyrin vs Müller Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Match Betting</h3> <p>The head-to-head market strongly favours Alexei Popyrin at $1.44, and there are compelling reasons why the Australian is such a heavy favourite.</p> <p>Popyrin's superior ranking and recent form make him the logical choice in this first-round Australian Open encounter.</p> <p>Playing on home soil provides Popyrin with a significant psychological advantage, particularly in the opening rounds where crowd support can prove decisive.</p> <p>His familiarity with Australian conditions and the Melbourne Park courts should serve him well against Müller, who may struggle to adapt quickly to the local environment.</p> <p>Müller's $2.65 price tag suggests the French player faces an uphill battle from the outset. While first-round matches can occasionally produce surprises, the quality gap between these competitors appears too substantial for an upset to materialise.</p> <p>The Australian's superior firepower and court coverage should prove decisive in what we anticipate will be a relatively straightforward victory for the home favourite.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/tennis/mens-australian-open/alexei-popyrin-v-alexandre-muller-10048602">Alexei Popyrin.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Set Betting</h3> <p>Neither player is expected to endure a marathon encounter in this Australian Open first-round clash.</p> <p>The set betting markets suggest this match will likely be decided without requiring the full five sets, with Popyrin expected to assert his dominance.</p> <p>A straight-sets victory for Popyrin at $3.30 represents solid value, though Müller possesses enough quality to potentially claim a set through his serving ability and occasional moments of brilliance.</p> <p>The French player's fighting spirit could see him steal a set, particularly if he settles into the match early.</p> <p>We favour Popyrin to win in four sets at $4.10. Müller should have enough in his arsenal to avoid a whitewash, but the Australian's superior consistency and home advantage should ultimately prove decisive after some early resistance.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/tennis/mens-australian-open/alexei-popyrin-v-alexandre-muller-10048602">Alexei Popyrin 3-1.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Total Match Games</h3> <p>The total match games line has been set at 39.5 for this Australian Open first-round encounter. Based on our expectation of a four-set victory for Popyrin, this total appears achievable but not guaranteed to be exceeded.</p> <p>If our prediction of Popyrin winning 3-1 materialises, the match would need to feature relatively competitive sets to push over the 39.5 games threshold. While Müller possesses the serving ability to extend sets, Popyrin's superior return game should limit the French player's opportunities to accumulate games.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/tennis/mens-australian-open/alexei-popyrin-v-alexandre-muller-10048602">Under 39.5 total match games</a>.</p> <p><em>*Odds are subject to change.</em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Where to Watch the Popyrin vs Müller Australian Open Match?</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>For those in Australia, you can watch the 2026 Australian Open First Round match between Alexei Popyrin and Alexandre Müller 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 on streaming service Stan Sport.</p>