ATP Australian Open 1/16-Finals
Shelton – Vacherot: 24.01.2026 04:30 CEST
H2H: 1-0
Ben Shelton has won four of his last five matches. Last week in Auckland, Shelton lost to Baez in the quarterfinals in straight sets. This week in Melbourne, Shelton defeated Humbert in the opening round in straight sets. He was a better player under pressure, winning consecutive tiebreaks. In the second round, Shelton demolished Sweeny in straight sets. He served well, hitting 19 aces and not offering any breakpoints. Last season at the Australian Open, Shelton lost to Sinner in the semifinals in straight sets.
Valentin Vacherot has won three of his last five matches. Last week in Adelaide, Vacherot lost to Davidovich Fokina in the quarterfinals in straight sets. Last season in Melbourne, Vacherot failed to qualify for the main draw tournament. This is his debut campaign in the main draw of the Australian Open. In the opening round, Vacherot defeated Damm in straight sets easily. He offered and saved five breakpoints. In the second round, Vacherot defeated Hijikata in four sets. He served 15 aces and saved four of five breakpoints.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Vacherot is the heavy underdog in this matchup, but we disagree. Both players played well in the opening rounds. Vacherot had a breakthrough season last year and will be confident coming into this matchup. If he serves well, we expect him to keep this match close.
That being said, Vacherot covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Valentin Vacherot -5.5 games handicap @1.73 @bet365
Van de Zandschulp – Djokovic: 24.01.2026 09:00 CEST
H2H: 1-1
Botic van de Zandschulp has won three of his last five matches. This week in Melbourne, the Dutchman upset Nakashima in the opening round in four sets. He served well, hitting 15 aces and saving five out of six breakpoints he offered. In the second round, the Dutchman defeated Shang in straight sets. Van de Zandschulp served well once again, offering and saving only one breakpoint. Last season in Melbourne, he lost to de Minaur in the opening round in straight sets. He has never made it past the third round here.
Novak Djokovic has won six straight matches. This week in Melbourne, he demolished Martinez in straight sets easily. Djokovic served extraordinarily, hitting 14 aces and not offering any breakpoints. In the second round, Djokovic demolished Maestrelli in straight sets. The Serb is a ten-time champion at the Australian Open. He retired mid-match against Zverev in the semifinals last season.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Djokovic is the clear favourite in this matchup, and we agree. Djokovic played his best tennis so far in Melbourne. He is an absolute legend at the Australian Open, and with the help of the crowd, we expect him to win comfortably in straight sets.
That being said, Djokovic winning in straight sets is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Novak Djokovic winning 3-0 @1.73 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
