Two in-form competitors go head-to-head on Tuesday, 18 Aug, at 7:00 am AEST as Aussie Rinky Hijikata takes on Czech talent Jakub Mensik in the Third Round.

Hijikata has strung together back-to-back wins, but he faces a massive test against world No. 16 Mensik, who enters on a hot four-match winning streak. If you are chasing expert tennis tips for this Third Round clash, the numbers offer plenty of clarity.

Match Winner: Mensik’s Rank Edge Jumps Off the Page

Jakub Mensik brings serious momentum into this third-round encounter. The 16th-ranked Czech star boasts an impressive 29-14 season record with a 67% win percentage, coming off a victory over Botic Van De Zandschulp on 10 August. That result marked his fourth consecutive win on tour.

Rinky Hijikata sits at world No. 95 with a 12-15 record in 2026. The Aussie is coming off a strong win over Luciano Darderi on 17 August following a hard-fought victory against Gael Monfils. However, with a 0-0 head-to-head record between these two, the numbers say Mensik’s superior career record (90-55) and recent form give him a big tick. In the match-winner market, Mensik sits as favourite at 1.27, while Hijikata is priced at 3.81.

Head to HeadOdds correct as at 8:12 am AEST. Odds can change.
Rinky Hijikata3.81Our tipJakub Mensik1.27
Big tickOur tip: Jakub Mensik. Mensik holds a world No. 16 ranking and a 29-14 YTD record while riding a four-match winning streak.

Tipped at $1.27 (11:12 am AEST). Opinion, not a guarantee. Gamble responsibly — 18+.

Head-to-head context

0–1

Rinky Hijikata vs Jakub Mensik

Hard0-1
0%1st set → match win % (H2H)100%
0%Deciding set win % (H2H)0%
0%1st serve points won %0%
0%Return points won %0%

Set Handicap: Can Hijikata Cover the +1.5 Line?

The set handicap line is set at 1.5 sets for this match. For Hijikata (+1.5 sets at 1.90), snatching a set off the high-flying Czech would secure a cover for his backers.

However, Mensik’s performance across 2026 has been highly effective. Holding two career titles and 29 wins this year, Mensik -1.5 sets at 1.83 rates a real chance as he aims to settle this contest without dropping a set.

SetsOdds correct as at 8:12 am AEST. Odds can change.
Rinky Hijikata +1.51.90Our tipJakub Mensik -1.51.83
Solid tickOur tip: Jakub Mensik -1.5. The Czech star has won 29 matches this season and rates a real chance to claim a straight-sets victory.

Tipped at $1.83 (11:12 am AEST). Opinion, not a guarantee. Gamble responsibly — 18+.

Set handicap (±1.5) form

−1.5 cover = won by two or more sets. Charts use recent completed scorelines.

Rinky Hijikatalast 5

−1.5 cover rate20%1/5
+1.5 cover rate60%3/5
Straight-sets wins20%1/5

Jakub Mensiklast 5

−1.5 cover rate60%3/5
+1.5 cover rate80%4/5
Straight-sets wins60%3/5
20%−1.5 cover % (form)60%
H2H −1.5 cover (Rinky Hijikata)0%0/1

Total Games: Eyeing the 22.5 Line

The total games line sits at 22.5 games for Tuesday's match. In straight-sets outcomes, match game counts frequently stay underneath this line.

Given Mensik's dominant form—winning four straight matches—a clean performance could keep the final match game tally under 22.5 games, priced at 1.85, while the over option sits at 1.95.

GamesOdds correct as at 8:12 am AEST. Odds can change.
Over 22.51.95Our tipUnder 22.51.85
Solid tickOur tip: Under 22.5. If Mensik dictates terms early, a efficient victory should keep the total game tally below the 22.5 mark.

Tipped at $1.85 (11:12 am AEST). Opinion, not a guarantee. Gamble responsibly — 18+.

Match total games

Average games from recent scorelines · marker shows live line 22.5.

Rinky Hijikata matches (n=5)avg 22.8vs 22.5
1527
Jakub Mensik matches (n=5)avg 22.4vs 22.5
1527
H2H meetings (n=1)avg 19vs 22.5
1527

Hit rate vs 22.5

Rinky Hijikatan=5
Over 40%Under 60%
Jakub Mensikn=5
Over 20%Under 80%
H2Hn=1
Over 0%Under 100%
10.8Avg games won (form)11.6