With World number one Novak Djokovic set to miss the Australian Open, who else could take the title this year? Read on to find out the favorites for the Australian Open 2022
Who Will Win the 2022 Men’s Australian Open?
It has been possibly the most controversial build up to a major tennis tournament ever, as World number one Novak Djokovic’s visa status has taken all the headlines in the last few weeks.
It is still unclear whether the Serb tennis legend will be able to compete in Melbourne and that has resulted in a surge in betting activity surrounding the Australian Open. With so much uncertainty, it is only natural that some of the other top players will now fancy their chances of lifting the famous trophy – even if Djokovic ends up playing.
But who are the main contenders for this slam? Read on to find out.
Australian Open 2022 Favorites And Predictions Men’s Singles
Daniil Medvedev, Russia
Medvedev defeated Djokovic to win his first ever Grand Slam title at last year’s US Open and will take over as the number one seed in Melbourne his Serbian rival does end up missing the competition. He has been in fine form over the last few years and also led Team Russia to Davis Cup glory.
After losing to Djokovic in last year’s final it might be that the Russian would prefer to overcome the world number one on the court rather than relying on the decisions of Tennis Australia and the country’s border control policies. But whatever happens with the visa, it is likely that Medvedev will be featuring in the final.
Alexander Zverev, Germany
2021 was an excellent year for the German player – claiming the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics and also getting the better of Medvedev in the ATP Finals in Turin. With Djokovic potentially out of the picture, Zverev will be thinking that 2022 might turn out to be even better.
Zverev is still to win a grand slam event, finishing runner up at the US Open in 2020 and as a losing semi finalist at the Australian Open in the same year. He made the last four of the French Open in 2021 and continues to knock on the door of that breakthrough success. Could this be the time for Zverev to go all the way?
Rafael Nadal, Spain
One of Novak Djokovic’s greatest rivals on the court over the past few years, Nadal is the current world number six and is searching for his 21st Grand Slam title. This is not his favorite tournament over the years though – and he is only just coming back from an injury that will surely disrupt his plans to go all the way.
Nadal has shown little sympathy for Djokovic since the visa situation began and that would make any potential meeting between the two at this year’s Australian Open even more interesting. It will be something of a long shot for the Spaniard to take the title, but his confidence will be boosted due to Djokovic’s current troubles.
Stefanos Tsitsipas, Greece
The youngest of these four, Tsitsipas has been struggling with an elbow injury and admitted that he was in a lot of pain after his first game back at the recent ATP Cup in Sydney. The World number four would be a surprise winner of the Australian Open because of that niggling injury, but would take as much confidence as everyone else if Djokovic does sit this one out.
But the Greek’s odds have lengthened in recent months and his form has taken a hit since he reached the final of the French Open last year.
Australian Open Drama
With Djokovic still waiting to see whether he can play in the tournament, the tennis world has been left in limbo as well. Now all the fans want is for the tournament to start and all the attention to switch to the court instead of the scenes outside a quarantine hotel in Melbourne.