**Ajla Tomljanović Draws Attention Ahead of Australian Open Clash with Ruse**
Key Takeaways:
- Ajla Tomljanović faces Elena-Gabriela Ruse in the Australian Open’s Round of 64
- Despite similar rankings, Ruse is the slight betting favorite with -145 odds
- Tomljanović’s return to form draws fan attention and fuels betting interest
Melbourne — Australian tennis star Ajla Tomljanović is trending as fans and analysts gear up for her Round of 64 match at the 2026 Australian Open, where she faces Elena-Gabriela Ruse. The match is drawing attention not only because of the players’ close world rankings—No. 78 vs. No. 79—but also because of Tomljanović’s recent recovery and renewed form on the court.
2026 Australian Open Matchup Highlights Close Battle
The first-week showdown at Melbourne Park pits home favorite Ajla Tomljanović against Romanian player Elena-Gabriela Ruse, with sportsbooks giving Ruse the edge with -145 odds (59.2% implied probability) compared to Tomljanović’s +110. Both players are ranked within one place of each other, making it one of the most evenly matched pairings of the round. Tomljanović, who has dealt with injuries in recent seasons, is hoping to make a deep run at her home Slam.
Tomljanović’s Comeback Story Adds to Buzz
Ajla Tomljanović missed much of the 2024 and 2025 seasons due to a series of injuries, including knee and abdominal issues. Her return toward the end of 2025 was met with cautious optimism, but fans have since rallied behind her as she showed flashes of her pre-injury form in warm-up tournaments. The crowd support and comeback narrative are fueling betting activity and social media buzz as she returns to the courts of Melbourne Park.
What This Match Means for Australian Tennis
With Ash Barty retired and few Australian women currently competing at the top tier, Tomljanović remains one of the country’s highest-profile female tennis players. A strong performance in this match could provide both personal momentum and reinvigorate fan engagement ahead of the Australian summer tennis season. A win would likely set up a more high-profile matchup in the next round, attracting further media and public attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is ajla tomljanović trending?
A: She is competing against Elena-Gabriela Ruse in a closely watched 2026 Australian Open Round of 64 match.
Q: What happens next?
A: The winner of this match will advance to the Round of 32, where they face tougher seeded opponents.
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