The Australian Open started on Monday, 16th January, beginning another fast-paced and dramatic professional tennis season. The first Grand Slam on the calendar is always interesting as the sport’s biggest and best-loved players aim to get off to a winning start. Winning this competition is no mean feat, and the list of previous champions reads like a who’s who of the sport. But which name will be added to the honors list in 2023?
It’s anyone’s guess at this stage, and with such a competitive field in attendance, the leading sportsbooks offer registered members Australian Open bets, promotions, and generous odds. Are you ready to make your predictions on the play? This article explains which players the bookies are backing and who may emerge from the pack as a dark horse. We’ve seen more than the odd upset and shock result at this competition in the past, and this year’s renewal is likely to conjure up more thrills and spills.
Our writers aim to give readers all the information needed to make a solid and well-informed decision on which player to follow over the next fortnight. Of course, the bookies sometimes get it right, but it’s always worth checking which players they are backing. You will then know if it’s best to follow the crowd and support a market leader or go for an outsider with more attractive betting odds attached.
Djokovic is back in town
Novak Djokovic has won the Australian Open nine times previously, first getting his hands on one of the sport’s richest prizes back in 2008, with the Serbian’s most recent success coming in 2021. Djok was denied the chance to defend the title won in 2021 and to clinch four Australian Open gongs on the bounce. That hurt Team Djokovic, and it was feared he wouldn’t return to Australia.
The problems encountered last year were related to his COVID-19 vaccination status. Novak wasn’t vaccinated against coronavirus that was causing thousands of deaths every day worldwide. Many nations had strict border controls in place to stop unvaccinated people from entering the country and possibly spreading the disease. That extended to professional sportspeople, including those arriving in Australia for last year’s competition.
Now that COVID-19 appears to have settled down and is far more manageable than it was just 12 months ago, it is hoped the Australian Open will return to normal. Djokovic arrived in the country looking to make a statement. He has enjoyed plenty of success in Melbourne over the last decade, but this year it’s personal. Will the Serb superstar return to the highest step on the podium, kick-starting what could be a huge year in his career?
Speaking to the media on the approach to this competition, Djokovic told reporters being deported from Australia last year inspired him to train harder and win Wimbledon in London. Tennis fanatics are now desperate to see how he responds in this Grand Slam. Will we see a more focused and determined Novak? That much is a given, but will he add the 2023 Australian Open title to his already impressive list of achievements?
Bookies back the former champ
The Australian Open 2023 betting odds have been released in time for the start of the competition. The men’s outright market makes for interesting reading, with all leading sportsbooks making Djokovic their pre-competition betting favorite. The Serbian is the shortest price on the list and has been the most popular with bettors. Those in the know are desperate to keep on the right side of the nine-time winner as he moves in on number ten.
It’s not uncommon for bookmakers to share an opinion on the competition favorite, but it is a little peculiar to find them all so hot on the Serb’s chances. Traders seem convinced that anything other than a convincing title win for Novak would be a huge surprise. You can follow that thinking or take a shot at an underdog with a bite. There are a few worth considering. Let’s look at a few of the best.
Which player will land glory if Djokovic doesn’t do as expected and win the 2023 Australian Open? Daniil Medvedev is second on the betting list, and he’s there on merit. Medvedev has the skills and experience to serve up a challenge, and the Russian has reached the final in the last two years. Is the third time lucky?
