Novak Djokovic is on a determined mission to clinch his 11th Australian Open crown, an unprecedented achievement in the tennis world.
Touted as a top contender, the Serbian maestro is within striking distance of setting a new all-time Grand Slam record, potentially racking up 25 titles to eclipse the legendary Margaret Court’s longstanding benchmark.
Return of the king 👑 👋 Welcome back to our 10x champion! @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/9KagVg9R4t
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 9, 2024
Following his absence from the 2022 edition, a result of COVID-related restrictions, Djokovic made a triumphant return in 2023.
In a display of sheer dominance, he clinched the title, outplaying Stefanos Tsitsipas in a straight-sets victory. The victory was a highly emotional moment for Djokovic, as tears marked his triumph. His affinity for Australia shines through, a venue where he remains unbeaten in finals.
Unfortunately, the tennis world will miss Rafael Nadal’s presence at the Australian Open this year. The Spanish legend, fresh from a hiatus due to injury, has announced his withdrawal.
However, the tournament still promises high-octane action, with rising star Carlos Alcaraz and the always formidable Daniil Medvedev set to battle for the coveted title.
Legends rise, records break, and every moment Hits Different at the AO.
Tickets on sale NOW 🎫 https://t.co/sJT3vuLy4k pic.twitter.com/pJOKKdtXaQ
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) October 12, 2023
In the women’s draw, Aryna Sabalenka, the World No. 2, is all geared up to defend her title. With a draw that seems favourable, she has a strong chance of reaching the finals. Adding to the excitement, Coco Gauff, the young sensation who triumphed at the US Open in 2023, is also among the top contenders vying for the crown.
back2back 🇳🇿🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/JsV4Od0CrD
— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) January 7, 2024
The AU 2024 will kick off on Sunday, January 14. As tennis enthusiasts around the globe tune in, here’s all you need to know about this prestigious tournament, complete with predictions for both the men’s and women’s draws.
Tournament Info
- Dates: 14-28 January
- Site: Melbourne Park
- Location: Australia
- Last men’s final: Novak Djokovic def. Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-6, 7-6
- Last women’s final: Aryna Sabalenka def. Elena Rybakina 4-6, 6-3, 6-4
Men’s Prediction, Odds
- Pick: Novak Djokovic to Win the tournament
- Odds: +103 (Tonybet)
Even at the age of 36, Novak Djokovic continues to reign supreme atop the ATP rankings.
The Serbian does not show signs of slowing down, and in 2023, he won three Grand Slam titles, with Wimbledon being the only miss. While he started 2024 with a surprising loss against Alex de Minaur, we know that Nole switches top gear while playing at top-tier events.
Djokovic encontrou Rafael Leão: "A minha velocidade está quase como a tua" 🤝 pic.twitter.com/DAKlvSXLIA
— B24 (@B24PT) November 20, 2023
As the top seed in the tournament, Djokovic faces a relatively smooth path through the initial rounds. The first 3-4 rounds should not be a huge problem for him, especially on his preferred surface.
The field, however, is rich with talent. Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev, Holger Rune, and Casper Ruud are all vying for the title. But whenever Djokovic is in the competition, it is hard to pick anyone over him.
History-maker. Record-breaker ⭐️⭐️
🏆 @DjokerNole #NittoATPFinals pic.twitter.com/nXCkjBVIKC
— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 19, 2023
Carlos Alcaraz is the top challenger who could cause problems for Novak in the upcoming AU 2024.
The young Spaniard, who has already bested Nole at Wimbledon, brings a dynamic and agile game to the court. His path to a potential showdown with Djokovic isn’t straightforward, as a clash with Daniil Medvedev, who outplayed him at the US Open 2023, looms large.
Seguimos con la preparación! 🔥💪🏻🎾🇦🇺 @AustralianOpen
📸 Getty pic.twitter.com/IXWr5m3SU2
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) January 11, 2024
We should not write of hard-court specialist Daniil Medvedev. His track record of reaching consecutive finals in 2021 and 2022 speaks volumes. But he is hardly a match for Djokovic. The Serbian beat him at the previous US Open 2023 in straight sets.
Keep working 💪🏻🔥@DaniilMedwed pic.twitter.com/oXbIbq1UfN
— Meddy Family 🐻 (@dmedvedevfans) January 9, 2024
Women’s Prediction, Odds
- Pick: Iga Świątek to Win the tournament
- Odds: +223 (Tonybet)
Aryna Sabalenka is on a formidable quest to clinch her second consecutive Australian Open title, a feat that would echo her triumphant maiden Grand Slam victory. Her stellar performance extended beyond just that win, as she impressively advanced to the semi-finals in the other three major tournaments.
Low Key Miami Morning 🙈😂 pic.twitter.com/GI4dPB6NJa
— Sabalenka Aryna (@SabalenkaA) October 19, 2023
Repeating the same feat will be tough in 2024, as Iga Świątek, the Polish prodigy, is firmly in the spotlight. At just 22, Świątek has already etched her name in tennis history with four Grand Slam titles, and her ambitions don’t stop there.
Coco Gauff is not one to be underestimated in the race for the Australian Open title. The 19-year-old American has already made a name for herself with her dynamic and aggressive play style, which aligns perfectly with the hard courts of the tournament.
Another American talent, Jessica Pegula, may seem like an underdog to some, but her performances in 2022 and 2023 have showcased her resilience and skill. While Pegula may not be the first name that comes to mind as a top contender, her ability to hold her own against the best cannot be overlooked.
A final showdown between Świątek and Sabalenka appears likely, given their recent form and rankings. However, the WTA tour is known for its unpredictability, with upsets being a common occurrence right from the early rounds.
Despite this, I think that Świątek’s remarkable consistency and prowess suggest she has the edge needed to not only reach the final but potentially clinch the title.
Disclaimer: Odds are accurate at the time of posting and subject to change. Please verify the latest odds on our platform before betting.