Brisbane International 2026: Joao Fonseca vs Reilly Opelka preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds, pick and betting tips

Match Details

Fixture: (6) Joao Fonseca vs Reilly Opelka

Date: January 4, 2026

Tournament: Brisbane International 2026

Round: Round of 32

Venue: Queenland Tennis Centre, Brisbane

Category: ATP 250

Surface: Outdoor Hardcourt

Prize Money: US $680,140

Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky Sports | Canada - TSN, RDS

Joao Fonseca vs Reilly Opelka preview

Sixth seed Joao Fonseca of Brazil will take on Reilly Opelka of the United States in the round of 32 of the Brisbane International on Sunday, January 4.

In the first ATP event of 2026, the 19-year-old Fonseca will look to make a good start. The Brazilian is undoubtedly one of the most exciting youngsters in world tennis at the moment. He won two ATP titles last year and is ranked within the top 25 now.

On the other hand, Opelka had to battle prolonged injury issues in the past and did not make a great impression in the tournaments he played last year. He was ousted in the second rounds of both the French Open and Wimbledon in 2025. However, he will try to make a good start to the new year by toppling the talented Fonseca.

Joao Fonseca vs Reilly Opelka head-to-head

The two players have not played each other yet. Hence, their head-to-head is tied at 0-0 at the moment.

Joao Fonseca vs Reilly Opelka odds

(Odds will be updated once available)

Joao Fonseca vs Reilly Opelka preview

Fonseca is the in-form player of the two without any doubt. The Brazilian has an all-round game, including a very good serve and a top backhand. He is quite young and covers the court really well. As a result, it is really difficult to wear him down in long rallies from the baseline.

Opelka, meanwhile, is a huge man with a huge serve. That is his strength, and he will play to that on a hard court that will be reasonably fast. He will be difficult to break and will look to take the sets into tie-breaks.

Fonseca should try to wear the big American down by prolonging the rallies from the baseline. He will be wary of Opelka's big forehand, though, and should want to direct most of the traffic towards the American's backhand by playing crosscourt backhand more often. Opelka might take a set but should find it difficult to win against Fonseca.

Pick: Fonseca to win in three sets.

Joao Fonseca vs Reilly Opelka betting tips

Tip 1 - Fonseca to win in three sets

Tip 2 - Match to have more than 20 games.

Tip 3 - Opelka to hit more than 10 aces.

Edited by Tushhita Barua