Jakub Mensik vs Rafael Jodar Preview & Prediction | 2026 Australian Open | Second Round

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Both Jakub Mensik and Rafael Jodar recorded five-set wins to progress in the first round, and now face off in a tantalising second-round encounter at the Australian Open.

Start date/time:

Venue: Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia

Surface: Outdoor hard

How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN

How to watch online: UK – discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & Tennis Channel

Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Jakub Mensik vs Rafael Jodar ticket information

Jakub Mensik vs Rafael Jodar prediction

After winning the recent ASB Classic, the second ATP title of his career, 16th seed Jakub Mensik was expected to sweep past Pablo Carreno Busta in the first round, but he wad made to work had by the Spaniard, who took him to five sets.

The Czech youngster squeezed through despite making an incredible 19 double faults in the match, and we will certainly need to improve upon that statistic if he is to go deep in Melbourne.

Qualifier Rafael Jodar also required five sets to defeat Japan's Rei Sakamoto in the first round, on what was the 19-year-old's Grand Slam debut.

The promising Spaniard, who won two of his three matches at the Next Gen ATP Finals last month and recently reached the final of a Challenger event in Canberra, clearly has a bright future ahead of him. Given his upward trajectory, we think he is good to win at least a set against the 16th seed, especially if double faults are an issue again.

Jakub Mensik vs Rafael Jodar tip: Over 3.5 sets