Rafael Jodar vs Thanasi Kokkinakis US Open Tips, Prediction & Live Stream - Kokkinakis can push Jodar
The US Open first-round clash between rising star Rafael Jodar and veteran Thanasi Kokkinakis promises a marathon battle. Kokkinakis is known for lengthy Grand Slam matches, with his last 15 majors all exceeding 32.5 total games. Though Jodar is making his US Open debut, his exceptional 2026 season sees him favored to win in a four- or five-set thriller, with strong value on betting both players to win a set. Watch the action live via Unibet, with geo-restrictions and T&Cs applying.
- Rafael Jodar vs Thanasi Kokkinakis predictions for Tuesday's US Open R1
- Kokkinakis repeatedly finds himself in Grand Slam marathons
- Kokkinakis tipped to make this competitive, but Jodar backed for the win
- The match is scheduled to start around 5.00am AEST on Wednesday September 2
Rafael Jodar v Thanasi Kokkinakis Live StreamWatch live online at bet365 > Tennis > US Open. T&Cs apply.
Watch and bet
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. Note, under Australian law, Live Streaming is exempt from Parts 3 and 4 of the Broadcasting Services (Online Content Service Provider Rules) 2018.
Rafael Jodar vs Thanasi Kokkinakis US Open Tips, Prediction & Live Stream
Thanasi Kokkinakis loves a Grand Slam marathon, no matter the opponent, so the best plays for this US Open first round showdown are Over 32.5 total games and both players to win a set, with a bit of value in teenage sensation Rafael Jodar coming away with a five-set triumph.
Death, taxes and Thanasi Kokkinakis getting himself involved in gruelling and energy-sapping Grand Slam matches.
The Aussie has seen Over 32.5 total games in his last 15 completed major outings dating back to 2023, with 14 of those going four or five sets. The man just can't win easy, but he will always put up a big fight, with Kokkinakis also winning at least one set in six of his last seven matches against top 20 opponents.
Jodar has obviously put together one of the greatest breakout seasons of all time to be on the cusp of the top 10, but it's easy to forget he's still very inexperienced at Grand Slam level - indeed, this will be his debut US Open appearance.
Kokkinakis of course is under his usual injury cloud, but I think he has the ability to snatch at least one set before the physical problems really start. So Over 32.5 total games is the main play, with Jodar finding a way to win in four or five.
Jodar vs Kokkinakis Stats & Trends
- Kokkinakis has seen Over 32.5 games in his last 15 completed Grand Slam matches
- Kokkinakis has seen both players win a set in 14 of his last 15 completed Grand Slam matches
- Kokkinakis has won 1+ set in six of his last seven matches vs top 20 players
- Kokkinakis has lost 17 of his last 19 matches vs top 20 players
- Jodar has seen Over 32.5 games in five of his last seven Grand Slam matches
- Jodar has a 7-1 record vs players outside the top 100 this season
Jodar vs Kokkinakis Head To Head
This will be the first meeting between the pair.
Rafael Jodar Form Analysis
- 2026 ATP Record: 36-14
- US Open Record: 0-0
- Current Ranking: No. 13
- Career-High Ranking: No. 11 (August 2026)
Absolutely seismic rise for Jodar this season, bulldozing his way into the top 20 after being ranked outside the top 500 a little over 12 months ago.
The 19-year-old has won 36 of his 50 tour-level matches, including winning his maiden ATP title in Marrakech and reaching his first Grand Slam quarter-final at Roland Garros.
It's been a big summer for Jodar in North America, with the Spaniard winning 10 of his 13 matches, making the final of Washington and the semi-finals of the Canada Masters before running out of steam in the Cincinnati R16, going down to Flavio Cobolli.
Jodar will be making his US Open debut this tournament and should be weary of facing a player outside the top 100 after World No. 151 Shintaro Mochizuki knocked him out of the Wimbledon third round.
Thanasi Kokkinakis Form Analysis
- 2026 ATP Record: 2-3
- US Open Record: 2-5
- Current Ranking: No. 416
- Career-High Ranking: No. 65 (2023)
Unfortunately not much form to really dig into for Kokkinakis once again.
This will be the Aussie's fifth tour-level tournament of the year. Kokkinakis impressed at the French Open when he beat Terence Atmane in the first round before retiring midway through his next match.
Kokkinakis also came close to knocking out Alexander Bublik at Wimbledon as he led two-sets-to-one before going down in five.
More heartbreak in Cincinnati for Kokkinakis as he lost in the first round by a 5-7 7-6(3) 7-6(4) to Nuno Borges, where he cramped badly and rolled his ankle in the deciding set tiebreak, putting his US Open campaign in jeopardy.
The 30-year-old has never really flourished in New York, winning two matches in six previous appearances.
Jodar vs Kokkinakis Live Stream
Watch and bet on Rafael Jodar vs Thanasi Kokkinakis live tennis from the US Open.
You can watch and bet on the match live at Unibet > Tennis > US 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
Kokkinakis loves a scrap and I think he can make this a competitive contest if his body holds up, but Jodar should still come away with the win.
Related
Top Betting Sites
Betting offers
Upcoming Events
31 August 2026
01 September 2026
- Scone - September 1 -
- Horse Racing
- Wodonga - September 1 -
- Horse Racing
- Wodonga Last 3 Favs Combo -
- Horse Racing
- Daria Kasatkina vs Paula Badosa -
- Tennis
- Lorenzo Musetti vs Arthur Fery -
- Tennis
- Rafael Jodar vs Thanasi Kokkinakis -
- Tennis
- Alex de Minaur vs Andrea Guerrieri -
- Tennis
05 September 2026
- Moir Stakes -
- Horse Racing
Load More
