2026 Australian Open

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Novak Djokovic vs Pedro Martinez Tips, Prediction & Live Stream - Djokovic to cruise in AO opener

Andrew Hendrie

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Last updated: Sun 18 Jan 2026 23:17

Andrew Hendrie 18 Jan 2026

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Novak Djokovic vs Pedro Martinez predictions for Monday's Australian Open R1 match
Djokovic has won 28 of his 29 matches vs players ranked 71 or lower at the AO
Martinez has consistently struggled vs top 10 players throughout the course of his career
The match is scheduled to start around 8.30pm AEDT on Monday January 19

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Novak Djokovic (Photo by Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic vs Pedro Martinez Tips, Prediction & Live Stream

Novak Djokovic begins his pursuit of a 25th major title when he squares off against Pedro Martinez on Monday night in the Australian Open first round.

Novak Djokovic vs Pedro Martinez Tips, Prediction & Live Stream
Djokovic vs Martinez Stats & Trends
Djokovic vs Martinez Head To Head
Novak Djokovic Form Analysis
Pedro Martinez Form Analysis
Djokovic vs Martinez Live Stream

The most decorated player in Australian Open history with an astonishing 10 singles titles, Djokovic returns to Melbourne Park still determined to add to his unrivalled legacy. However, the 38-year-old failed to make a Grand Slam singles final for the first time since 2017 last year, thwarted at the semi-final stage of all four majors. I think it's quite fair to say that Djokovic remains the undisputed No. 3 in the world at Grand Slam level, but hanging with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner is getting harder and harder for the Serbian sensation.

Djokovic will hope to get another opportunity at the 'Big 2' in Melbourne, but he will first be focused on delivering a clean opening round performance. It's a great draw for Nole - he's got Pedro Martinez, who is a solid top 100 player, but not somebody that has the ability to threaten top 10 players on the big stages. Martinez has actually already made a splash this AO, qualifying and advancing to the semi-finals of the 'One Point Slam' - before sensationally losing to amateur player Jordan Smith. Anyway, Djokovic has a stellar record against players ranked outside the top 70 in Melbourne and if he's anywhere close to fully fit, this shouldn't be much of a problem.

Djokovic vs Martinez Stats & Trends

Djokovic is 28-1 vs players ranked 71 or lower at the Australian Open
Djokovic hasn't lost in R1 of the Australian Open since 2006
Martinez has a 1-12 record vs top 10 players & 0-6 at Grand Slam level
Martinez has won Under 10.5 total games in five of his six Grand Slam matches vs top 10 players
Djokovic has allowed Under 10.5 total games in 11 of his last 16 Australian Open matches vs players 71 or lower

Djokovic vs Martinez Head To Head

Surprisingly, this will be the first ever career meeting between the pair.

Novak Djokovic Form Analysis

2026 Record: 0-0
2025 Record: 37-10
Australian Open Record: 99-10
Grand Slam Record: 397-55
Current Ranking: No. 4
Career-High Ranking: No. 1 (2011)

Djokovic's clear motivation now is prioritising slams, saving his body for the biggest events as he aims to capture that elusive 25th major title.

Despite playing a limited schedule, Djokovic was still able to make the semi-finals of all four majors last year, but after being forced to retire at the Australian Open with a hamstring injury, it was Sinner and Alcaraz who knocked him out of the remaining three.

It wasn't the year Djokovic wanted, but he still managed to pick up two ATP titles, winning his 100th career crown in Geneva before ending the year with the Athens silverware.

Djokovic intended to play the Adelaide International in preparation for Melbourne, but announced his withdrawal, declaring he wasn't physically ready to compete yet, casting some doubt over his overall fitness for the Australian Open.

Pedro Martinez Form Analysis

2026 Record: 0-0
2025 Record: 16-26
Australian Open Record: 5-5
Grand Slam Record: 15-21
Current Ranking: No. 71
Career-High Ranking: No. 36 (February 2025)

Martinez peaked at No. 36 in the rankings early last year after making the second round of the Australian Open, quarter-finals of Rotterdam and semi-finals in Buenos Aires.

However, apart from a third round run at Wimbledon, Martinez failed to win back-to-back tour-level matches for the remainder of the year.

As a result, the Spaniard was struggling to stay inside the top 100 by season's end, opting to begin his 2026 season on the Challenger Tour in a bid to restore some confidence.

It was a successful mission, with Martinez winning the title in Bengalore, dropping just one set in the process and improving his ranking from No. 96 to 71 ahead of the Australian Open.

Djokovic vs Martinez Live Stream

Watch and bet on Novak Djokovic vs Pedro Martinez live Australian Open tennis.

You can watch and bet on the match live at Unibet > Tennis > Australian Open with the action available to stream on desktop and mobile.

Geo-restrictions apply, you'll need a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours to gain access. 18+ terms and conditions apply.

Verdict

Novak Djokovic v Pedro Martinez

Martinez simply doesn't have the weapons to trouble top 10 players, especially at the slams and on hardcourt. Djokovic should be winning this comfortably.

Martinez Under 10.5

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