At first glance, the 2023 Australian Open betting market looks a done deal on the men’s circuit as nine-times winner Novak Djokovic appears a cast-iron certainty to regain his crown.
The magnificent Serb is playing as well as ever and has an almighty point to prove after he missed last year’s renewal in the most controversial circumstances possible.
Betting on men’s tennis, however, can often throw up a few seismic results – and this year is unlikely to be an exception to that rule. Here, we assess the players in the men’s game that have the potential to cause a huge upset by winning the big one in Melbourne:
Daniil Medvedev: Australian Open Odds: 5/1
Medvedev is ready to roll, and is clearly determined to do just that in Melbourne. The Russian has not yet recovered from last year’s crushing defeat in the final of the Australian Open, when Rafael Nadal somehow came back from two sets down to claim one of the greatest triumphs in the history of tennis.
He remains a shadow of his former self, but ignore him at your peril. A good start to the tournament will surely reignite the fires that still burn brightly.
Rafael Nadal: Australian Open Odds: 11/1
What more needs to be said about one of the greatest players that has ever lived? From a punting perspective, quite a bit.
He is, of course, badly undercooked heading into the Australian Open – with niggling injuries and Father Time perhaps taking their toll more than ever. But it was a similar story 12 months ago.
And yet he incredulously secured the most improbable of triumphs. Once again faced against insurmountable odds, it would be foolhardy to dismiss Rafa’s chances of another extraordinary triumph.
Stefanos Tsitsipas: Australian Open Odds: 14/1
The charismatic Greek is in great nick and has been given a favourable draw from which he can go deep into the tournament. Surely it is only a matter of time before everything clicks and he finally secures a first Grand Slam his distilled class deserves.
That he has not yet won a Major is the reason he is available at a double-figure price, but he might not get a better opportunity to end that hex on what is his preferred surface.
Jannik Sinner: Australian Open Odds: 20/1
The young Italian looked to have the world at his feet 12 months ago. Things have not quite gone to plan, though, as injuries have derailed his bid for glory at the top table.
That might not tell the full story, though, as there always seems to be a mental block whenever he plays a perceived big rival. Be that as it may, Sinner still has the game to make massive inroads into the Australian Open.
Taylor Fritz: Australian Open Odds: 20/1
After having reached the fourth round of the Australian Open 12 months ago, the American is now firmly amongst the elite of men’s tennis. It has taken a while, but the 25-year-old Californian is now on the march and is ranked number nine in the world.
His defeat of Nadel in last year’s ATP Masters at Indian Wells was a clear statement of intent, as has been his pleasing run of form since then. Few players on the circuit will relish playing Fritz in the Australian Open.
Casper Ruud: Australian Open Odds: 20/1
The likeable Norwegian is not number three in the world because of his engaging personality. Ruud has worked incredibly hard at his game and the fruits of his labours have happily produced handsome dividends.
Last season’s US Open finalist has carefully chosen his battles of late, which many would argue that he will be far fresher than most of his rivals. A tricky draw, however, offsets the sense of optimism around the Ruud camp.
*Odds subject to change and were correct at time of publication
( 13.01.2023 )
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