<p>With&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/tennis/ladies-australian-open/ladies-australian-open-winner-2026-8892430">the Australian Open 2026</a> heating up, all eyes turn to the third round clash between last Aussie woman standing Maddison Inglis and dual AO champion Naomi Osaka.</p> <p>Inglis, carrying the last hopes of nation, faces a daunting test against the four-time Grand Slam champion. With Osaka’s proven pedigree and Inglis’s underdog spirit, punters are eager to see if there’s value to be found in this intriguing matchup.</p> <p>Unsurprisingly, Naomi Osaka enters as the overwhelming favourite, with match betting odds of 1.08, reflecting her dominance and recent form.</p> <p>Maddison Inglis, who started the tournament as a qualifier, is priced at 8.00, is looking to spring a major upset in front of a supportive Melbourne crowd.</p> <p>Set betting heavily favours Osaka in straight sets (2-0 at 1.35), while a 2-1 Osaka win is also in play at 4.10.</p> <p>In more bad news for Inglis, Osaka has a strong record against Australian opponents, winning her last eight WTA main draw matches against Aussies.</p> <p>Recent trends suggest Osaka has struggled to cover large game handicaps against younger players at the Australian Open, adding a layer of intrigue for handicap punters.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Maddison Inglis vs Naomi Osaka Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Match Betting</h3> <p>Osaka’s status as the clear favourite is justified by her Grand Slam experience and recent head-to-head dominance over Australian players.</p> <p>Her ability to handle the big stage, combined with a powerful serve and baseline game, makes her a formidable opponent for Inglis, who is still searching for a signature win at this level.</p> <p>Inglis’s path to the third round has been impressive, but the gulf in quality and experience is reflected in the odds. Osaka’s consistency and mental toughness suggest she’ll control the tempo from the outset.</p> <p>However, Inglis will have the crowd behind her and nothing to lose, which could inspire a competitive showing.</p> <p>Given Osaka’s track record and the market’s confidence, the logical match winner pick is Naomi Osaka.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/tennis/ladies-australian-open/naomi-osaka-v-maddison-inglis-10074451">Naomi Osaka.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Set Betting</h3> <p>The set betting market favours Osaka to win in straight sets, with the 2-0 result paying 1.35. Inglis’s best chance may be to catch Osaka cold early, but Osaka’s ability to adjust and raise her level under pressure is well documented.</p> <p>While Inglis has the weapons to trouble Osaka in patches, the Japanese star’s experience in navigating these early-round challenges means a clean sweep is likely.</p> <p>Osaka’s motivation to make a statement after her return to top-level tennis should see her maintain focus throughout.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/tennis/ladies-australian-open/naomi-osaka-v-maddison-inglis-10074451">Naomi Osaka 2-0.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Total Match Games</h3> <p>The line for total match games is set at 18.5, with the over at 1.85 and under at 1.88. If Osaka claims a straight sets win, the total will be close to this mark. However, recent trends show Osaka has not been ruthless in covering large handicaps against younger opponents, suggesting a few longer games or a tight set could push the total over.</p> <p>If Inglis can hold serve and keep the match competitive, the over looks appealing, especially with the crowd’s support possibly lifting her level for a set or two.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/tennis/ladies-australian-open/naomi-osaka-v-maddison-inglis-10074451">Over 18.5 total match games.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Game Handicap</h3> <p>The game handicap market is set at -6.5 for Osaka (2.08) and +6.5 for Inglis (1.72). Osaka has failed to cover this line in her last four Australian Open matches against younger players, indicating that Inglis could keep things closer than the odds suggest.</p> <p>With the pressure on Osaka and the crowd backing Inglis, taking Inglis +6.5 games could be the value play for punters seeking a competitive match.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/tennis/ladies-australian-open/naomi-osaka-v-maddison-inglis-10074451">Maddison Inglis +6.5 (Game Handicap).</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>*Odds are subject to change.&nbsp;</em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Where to Watch the Maddison Inglis vs Naomi Osaka Australian Open Match?</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>For those in Australia, you can watch the 2026 Women’s Australian Open Third Round match between Maddison Inglis and Naomi Osaka 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. Alternatively, you can stream the Women’s AO match on streaming service Stan Sport.</p>