<p><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/tennis/ladies-australian-open/ladies-australian-open-winner-2026-8892430">The Australian Open 2026</a> second round continues to deliver compelling matchups as local favourite Ajla Tomljanovic takes on Romania's Elena-Gabriela Ruse at Melbourne Park.</p> <p>With both players showing solid form in their opening encounters, this clash promises to be one of the more competitive second round battles.</p> <p>Ruse enters as the betting favourite at $1.67, while Tomljanovic sits at $2.22 despite the home crowd advantage.</p> <p>The Romanian's superior ranking and recent Grand Slam performances clearly influencing the market.</p> <p>Both players successfully navigated their first round hurdles, setting up this intriguing second round encounter.</p> <p>Tomljanovic will be looking to capitalise on the home support at Melbourne Park, having shown glimpses of her best tennis in recent Australian Open campaigns. Meanwhile, Ruse arrives with confidence after strong showings on the WTA tour leading into the tournament.</p> <p>The winner of this match will advance to face a potential seeded opponent in the third round, making this a crucial stepping stone for both players' tournament aspirations.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Tomljanovic vs Ruse Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Match Betting</h3> <p>The head-to-head market reflects Ruse's current form advantage and superior world ranking. The Romanian has demonstrated consistency in Grand Slam second round matches, which explains her position as the $1.67 favourite.</p> <p>Tomljanovic faces an uphill battle at $2.22, but the home crowd factor cannot be underestimated. Australian players have historically performed above expectations at Melbourne Park, drawing energy from the local support.</p> <p>However, Ruse's recent Grand Slam record in second round matches suggests she's well-equipped to handle the pressure of playing against a home favourite. Her game style and current form indicate she should have the edge in this encounter.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/tennis/ladies-australian-open/elena-gabriela-ruse-v-ajla-tomljanovic-10062357">Elena-Gabriela Ruse.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Set Betting</h3> <p>Neither player is expected to dominate completely, with both having the quality to claim at least one set. The set betting markets reflect this competitive nature, with straight-set victories for either player offering decent value.</p> <p>Ruse winning 2-0 is priced at $2.55, while Tomljanovic taking a clean sweep sits at $3.40. The three-set scenarios are also well-represented, with Ruse 2-1 at $4.10 and Tomljanovic 2-1 at $5.30.</p> <p>Given both players' recent form and the competitive nature expected, a straight-set result appears unlikely, and we suspect Ruse will have to work very hard to close out this match in front of a hostile crowd.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/tennis/ladies-australian-open/elena-gabriela-ruse-v-ajla-tomljanovic-10062357">Elena-Gabriela Ruse 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 both over and under options sitting close to even money. Historical data shows that eleven of Tomljanovic's last twelve completed WTA second round matches in Australia have exceeded the total games line.</p> <p>This trend suggests the match could extend beyond the 21.5 threshold, especially considering both players' fighting qualities and the potential for competitive sets, particularly if the match does reach a third set as predicted.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/tennis/ladies-australian-open/elena-gabriela-ruse-v-ajla-tomljanovic-10062357">Over 21.5 total match games.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Where to Watch the Tomljanovic vs Ruse Australian Open Match?</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>For those in Australia, you can watch the 2026 Australian Open Second Round match between Ajla Tomljanovic and Elena-Gabriela Ruse 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 match on streaming service Stan Sport.</p>