The men head into the first event of the 2026 season after an exciting 2025 finale at the season ending ATP Finals. Naturally, we are always looking ahead as the hardcourt season for 2026 is underway setting up for the first Grand Slam in Australia.
In 2025 it was Jannik Sinner who won the Australian Open. So, yes, the Grand Slams were split between Alcaraz and Sinner. Their battles have been tons of fun. Many are expecting another rendezvous between the two. However, there are some intriguing 2026 Australian Open bets involving specials for the male side.
But what other bets are available for the Australian Open? We will examine several prime choices and maybe a few you may not expect. Then, we provide you with our free tennis betting picks to see if we can help you survive the Australian heat while staying in positive territory.
Check out the updated Vegas Tennis Odds.
Below you’ll find some new and exciting numbers for the opening grand slam of the tennis season.
| Aussie Open Specials |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men Seeds To Get Past Round 1 | |||
| Over 26.5 | -110 | -115 | -110 |
| Under 26.5 | -125 | -115 | -120 |
| American Men | |||
| To Get To The Final | +600 | +600 | +550 |
| To Win | +1400 | +1500 | +1500 |
| First Time Winner | |||
| No | -160 | -175 | -180 |
| Yes | +120 | +130 | +140 |
Normally, the Australian Open is just different. Typically, the first Grand Slam of the year produces some oddball results. Last season started that way but ultimately the theme became Jannik Sinner vs. Carlos Alcaraz. The two split the Grand Slams in 2025. Most sites have the two favored to meet in the Final here. Sinner prevailed last year Down Under over Alexander Zverev. Alcaraz did not make the Final.
Sinner and Alcaraz have been must-see TV for two years now. However, the focus on the first round is an interesting one. Remember, with 32 seeds on the Men’s side, upsets are always inevitable. Will there be a lot of heat? What unexpected curveballs get cooked up? The first major produces these quirks that cannot be explained. Players that we are accustomed to doing well have struggled of late and that has us a bit worried.
Naturally, more upsets could really come to roost here. Last year, it felt like only several players had a chance against their seeded opponents. This time around, that number probably comes in at double digits.
While upsets do occur, Sinner is just a machine especially in the early rounds. It will be interesting to see if anyone can challenge the Italian quite like Alcaraz. In the meantime, Sinner remains the slightest of slight favorites to win the Australian Open.
Take a look at our updated view for BetUS sports betting here.
So, Men’s 2026 Australian Open specials wonder if we get a first time winner? Like we mentioned above, the chances seem small here. However, everything seemed set up for Sinner-Alcaraz in the Final last time until it wasn’t. The strangest things can occur in Australia. Despite this, the good news is that Alcaraz has not won the Aussie yet. It is the only Grand Slam the young Spaniard has not raised the trophy at.
The Spaniard will not have it easy here. With so many good players lurking, there is the simple reality that Alcaraz will have a challenge just getting to the semifinals. However, there are other players who can make that run and get to the promised land.
It is expected that Alcaraz will be the underdog here and for good reason. His win rate of 73% in Melbourne is the lowest of all four Grand Slams (the others in the 87-89% range). Besides, Zverev got to the Final in 2024, Daniil Medvedev did so three times (2021, 2022, and 2024). He even pushed two eventual winners to five sets. Then, there is the homeland representative, Alex de Minaur.
Yes, de Minaur is a top eight seed who can make considerable waves in Australia. In 2025, he got to the quarters of every Grand Slam. Can he go a few steps higher? It’s possible. If the draw is right, the young player could ride the wave. A first time winner is worth a look.
Hey, the opening Grand Slam of 2026 leads us to the next inevitable question. Men’s Australian Open 2026 specials ask what about those Americans?
One of the biggest problems is trying to figure out which American can pull this off. There are a few candidates. Unfortunately, Taylor Fritz has never gotten past the quarterfinals and always seems to wilt in the pressure of the Melbourne heat. After that, Tommy Paul and Sebastian Korda probably are too far down in the pecking order. Paul might have a chance but he has little Grand Slam hardcourt success aside from a 2023 run to the semis.
Some believe Ben Shelton is the way to go here. Shelton rode a big game and that huge serve all the way to the semifinals in 2025.
Shelton possesses solid numbers and the second best of any American at +6500. After that, we mentioned Fritz at +3500 but even his odds are lengthening. The key for Shelton is can he take that next step? Can he develop a few wrinkles in his game more as a changeup to keep his opponent honest. Everyone knows the power of that serve which can approach 145-150 mph. Now, Shelton wants to put everything together.
He is the best shot for an American to win or get to the Final.
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