The 2026 Australian Open features a highly anticipated match between Aryna Sabalenka and Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah. Set for January 18, 2026, this matchup forms part of the Round of 128 in the prestigious tournament.
Aryna Sabalenka vs. Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah Match Preview
Aryna Sabalenka, currently ranked No. 1, is the favorite with overwhelming odds of -10000 to win against Rajaonah, who ranks No. 118 and has odds of +3300. This stark difference indicates Sabalenka’s dominance in the sport.
Match Details
- Tournament: Australian Open
- Round: Round of 128
- Date: January 18, 2026
- Channel: ESPN+
- Live Stream: Fubo
- Court Surface: Hard
Recent Performances and Statistics
Sabalenka has demonstrated exceptional form on hard courts over the past year. She holds a match record of 37 wins and 7 losses, achieving a service game win rate of 80.7% and a return game win rate of 40.8%. Over the last 12 months, she successfully converted 49.3% of her break points, placing her eighth in break points won.
Her last tournament was the Brisbane International, where she showcased her skill by defeating No. 26-ranked Marta Kostyuk with a score of 6-4, 6-3, in the final on January 11.
Rajaonah’s Performance
Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah, in contrast, has a 7-5 record on hard courts in the past year and secured one tournament win on this surface. She has a service game success rate of 62.6% and a return game success rate of 36.8%. Rajaonah has managed a 47.1% success rate in converting break points, ranking her 147th overall.
Her most recent outing was at the Hobart International, where she faced No. 92-ranked Julia Grabher in the qualification round. Unfortunately, she lost the match 3-6, 1-6 on January 10.
Match Prediction
Based on the implied probability from the betting odds, Aryna Sabalenka has a remarkable 99.0% chance of winning this match against Rakotomanga Rajaonah. As the top seed, Sabalenka’s consistent performance on hard courts positions her as a formidable opponent in the championship.
Expect this match to be a display of Sabalenka’s prowess, as she aims to advance further in the tournament, while Rajaonah will strive to exceed expectations against the seasoned champion.
