Get ready for the excitement of the Australian Open! As we dive into the thrilling third round of the 2026 tournament, it's time to explore some of the most promising betting opportunities available on DraftKings Sportsbook. The action kicks off on Thursday night and continues through early Friday morning for fans tuning in from the United States.
In this piece, I’ll share my top betting picks for the third round of the Australian Open, which you can find on DraftKings Sportsbook (https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/tennis/australian-open-men).
Best Bets for the Third Round of the 2026 Australian Open
Matchup: Iva Jovic vs. Jasmine Paolini
Bet: Jovic to win at +108 (https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/event/iva-jovic-vs-jasmine-paolini/33502519)
Iva Jovic is rapidly establishing herself as one of the most talented young players in women’s tennis. At just 18 years old, she’s being hailed as the next significant American talent in the sport. Notably, Jovic became the youngest American to triumph in a US Open main draw match since 2000 when she burst onto the scene in 2024. Last year marked her debut at the Australian Open, where she won her opening match before falling to the sixth seed, Elena Rybakina.
Jovic enters this match with a wealth of confidence, especially considering her previous success in Australia, where she clinched the title in the 2024 Australian Open Juniors Doubles. Over the offseason, she has made impressive gains in terms of her athleticism and strength, positioning herself for a potential upset against Jasmine Paolini in this third-round clash.
On the flip side, Paolini's recent form has been less than stellar; she ended 2025 on a disappointing note by losing all three matches at the WTA Finals. Looking back to her last major appearance at the US Open, she was unable to progress past the Round of 32. Moreover, she hasn’t competed in any lead-up tournaments before the Australian Open, and her recent performances in doubles have significantly outshone her singles play. Jovic, on the other hand, has been in spectacular form, allowing her opponents to win a mere eight games across her first two matches of the tournament. With Jovic hungry for success and Paolini seemingly in a decline, this match presents a prime opportunity for Jovic to secure a monumental victory and advance.
Parlay: Learner Tien ML & Ben Shelton ML (-111) (https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/tennis/australian-open-men)
Learner Tien is emerging as one of the brightest young talents in American men’s tennis. At 20 years old, he captured attention by winning the Next Gen ATP Finals at the close of 2025, solidifying his status as a key player of the new generation. Tien had a remarkable year in 2025, making his debut in all four Grand Slam tournaments, with his standout performance occurring in Australia, where he defeated Daniil Medvedev and advanced to the fourth round. He now faces Nuno Borges, a player he has encountered only once previously. Last year, Tien comfortably won that hardcourt match at the Paris Masters with a score of 6-2, 7-6. Expect Tien to continue his upward trajectory by defeating Borges and progressing to the next stage in 2026.
Another rising star worthy of attention is Ben Shelton, who has consistently impressed in Grand Slam events, particularly at the Australian Open. In his three appearances at this prestigious tournament, Shelton has reached both the quarterfinals and semifinals. In this round, he will face Valentin Vacherot, who, while a respectable player, lacks the Grand Slam experience that Shelton possesses. This is Vacherot’s first time advancing beyond the first round of a Grand Slam, having not even qualified in previous years. Given Shelton’s extensive experience in high-pressure matches, he is well-positioned to secure a win over Vacherot and advance further.
