Alexei Popyrin vs Alexandre Muller Tips, Prediction & Live Stream - Popyrin aiming to snap seven-match losing run

It's been a nightmare run of form for Popyrin, who comes into this encounter winless since last year's US Open. It appeared as if the Aussie was finally going to take the next step in his career after winning his maiden Masters 1000 title in Canada in 2024, but a combination of niggling injuries, motivation and overall poor form contributed to a slide back down the rankings last year, with Popyrin arriving in Melbourne at No. 50 in the world. Meanwhile, Muller has also suffered a rankings slide, two spots below Popyrin, after failing to defend his Hong Kong title from last year, suffering a second round exit to launch his 2026 a couple of weeks ago.

Both of these players are down on confidence and will be determined for a morale-boosting slam victory here. I can't see either player winning this in straights, which makes Over 3.5 total sets an attractive option for the main play. Muller consistently goes to four or five sets at the slams, but his record isn't great. I really don't have much faith in Popyrin, but with the home crowd behind him, perhaps he can knuckle down and grind this one out.