Mensik vs Jodar Australian Open Prediction 1/22/2026 Today’s Tennis Picks

Jakub Mensik and Rafael Jodar clash in the second round of the 2026 Australian Open on Thursday, January 22. Here’s our Jakub Mensik vs Rafael Jodar prediction. This preview will also include a Jakub Mensik vs Rafael Jodar pick.

Jakub Mensik vs Rafael Jodar Preview

Jakub Mensik beat former Top 10 player Pablo Carreno Busta in five sets in a match lasting over four hours. The young Czech had never lost a first-round match at the Australian Open, but his track record in Melbourne came under severe threat when he trailed by two sets to one against the Spaniard. Mensik was within three games from defeat when he summoned an incredible comeback and eventually won the fourth set in a tiebreak after over an hour. In the fifth set, Mensik broke Carreno Busta three times.

Mensik finished the match with 27 aces to 19 double faults. He landed 55% of first serves in play and won 75% of first serve points (76/101). Mensik won 40% of second serve points (34/84) and saved 12 of 18 break points. Mensik fired 85 winners in total to 79 unforced errors. He will be looking to reach the third round of the Australian Open for a second time.

Rafael Jodar beat fellow 19-year-old Rei Sakamoto of Japan in five sets to reach the second round of the Australian Open on his debut. The match lasted three hours and 54 minutes. Jodar led two sets to love, but could not finish off Sakamoto in the third set when the set was locked at 3-all. Sakamoto prevailed in the next two sets, but was broken in the sixth game of the fifth set. Jodar saved a late break back point and held on his second match point to seal victory.

Jodar hit 4 aces and 1 double fault in the match. He landed 61% of first serves in play and won 71% of first serve points (69/97). Jodar won 63% of second serve points (40/63) and saved six of nine break points. Jodar is 10-1 since the start of the season.

Jakub Mensik vs Rafael Jodar Head-To-Head

Mensik and Jodar have never played at any level, so this will be their first career meeting at the Australian Open.

Jakub Mensik vs Rafael Jodar Prediction

One major advantage that Mensik has is experience at the Grand Slam level, but given the Czech’s occasional physical limitations in a best-of-five, I don’t think that helps a lot against a massive ball striker like Jodar, who is in splendid form. Jodar is still unproven, but he could spring an upset if he stretches this match.

Nur Said's Pick: Rafael Jodar in five sets