bet365
BetMGM
William Hill
Betfred
BetUK
LiveScoreBet
10Bet
Virgin Bet
The Australian Open men’s singles final is finally here, featuring a generational clash at the Rod Laver Arena between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic.
To use the Live Streaming service you will need to be logged in and have a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours. Geo location and live streaming rules apply.
.
Read Rationale ▾
Carlos Alcaraz holds a physical edge over the 38-year-old Djokovic, who endured a punishing four-hour semi-final. Alcaraz has triumphed in their most recent best-of-five encounters, including major finals. His ability to start fast and exploit Djokovic’s potential fatigue makes the “Set 1/Match” double a highly compelling selection.
A Historic Showdown at Melbourne Park
Sunday morning brings a finale that bridges the gap between eras. Novak Djokovic, the most successful male player to ever grace the court, stands as the final obstacle for Carlos Alcaraz, who is chasing a career Grand Slam at just 22 years of age. The atmosphere at Melbourne Park is electric, with history guaranteed regardless of the victor.
Djokovic enters this final seeking an unprecedented 25th Major crown, a feat that would move him clear of Margaret Court’s long-standing record. Alcaraz, the world number one, is looking to add the Australian Open trophy to his collection of six Grand Slam titles, solidifying his status as the premier force in modern tennis.
Finalist Comparison: Hard Court Efficiency
Understanding the “1st Set & Win Match” Market
The “1st Set & Match” market is a popular double-result bet where the selected player must win the opening set and subsequently go on to win the entire match. It is essentially a bet on a player to dominate from the outset and maintain that advantage.
Pros:
- Enhanced Odds: It offers significantly better value than a simple match-winner bet, particularly when backing a strong favourite like Alcaraz.
- Momentum Factor: In elite tennis, the winner of the first set often carries a massive psychological and tactical advantage.
Cons:
- High Risk: If the player loses the first set but still wins the match in five sets, the bet is lost.
- Volatility: Tennis matches, especially at Grand Slam level, can swing wildly, and early dominance doesn’t always guarantee the trophy.
William Hill
Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets
Show Terms & Conditions
BetMGM
Bet £10 Get £40 In Free Bets
Show Terms & Conditions
bet365
Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets
Betfred
Bet £10 Get £30 In Free Bets
Show Terms & Conditions
10bet
100% Up To £50 On First Deposit
Show Terms & Conditions
Rationale: Why Alcaraz Takes the Crown
The primary factor in this final is physical recovery. Djokovic arrives after a punishing four-hour marathon against Jannik Sinner. While the Serbian legend is known for his resilience, at 38, back-to-back matches of such intensity present a massive hurdle. Djokovic also benefited from a somewhat lighter path earlier in the week due to Jakub Mensik’s withdrawal and Lorenzo Musetti’s mid-match retirement, but the semi-final likely drained his reserves.
Alcaraz, despite his own five-set battle with Alexander Zverev, possesses the youthful recovery speed required for a quick turnaround. Crucially, the Spaniard has won four of the last seven Grand Slams and has emerged victorious in their most recent best-of-five encounters, including two Wimbledon finals and a US Open semi-final where he won in straight sets.
| Stat Category | Carlos Alcaraz | Novak Djokovic |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 22 | 38 |
| Career Titles | 24 | 101 |
| 1st Serve Points Won | 72% | 74% |
| Break Points Saved | 64% | 65% |
Djokovic’s serve has been solid, averaging 2.75 aces per set, but Alcaraz’s return game is elite, converting 42% of his break-point opportunities throughout his career. In a match where margins are razor-thin, Alcaraz’s ability to pressure the Djokovic second serve will be pivotal. Given the likely fatigue factor for the veteran, Alcaraz starting the first set with high intensity is a strong probability.
Final Prediction
Expect Djokovic to fight for every point, as his 11th Australian Open final appearance is a testament to his dominance on this surface. However, Alcaraz represents a shift in the hierarchy. The Spaniard’s mix of raw power and drop-shot variety is designed to pull opponents across the court—a nightmare for a player coming off a four-hour match.
Top Tip: Carlos Alcaraz To Win The 1st Set & Win The Match at 1/1.
Australian Open FAQs
Where is the 2026 Australian Open?
The tournament is held at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia.
When does the men’s final take place?
The match is scheduled for 8.30am on Sunday, February 1.
Where can I watch in the UK?
TNT Sports and Discovery+ provide full linear and streaming coverage.
Who is the favourite?
Carlos Alcaraz is currently the 1/3 favourite, with Djokovic priced at 5/2.
18+ | GambleAware | T&Cs apply. Offer terms not provided — check bookmaker terms. Always set a budget and stick to it. Betting should be fun; if it stops being fun, stop.
