Who to Bet in Australian Open With Novak Djokovic Out?
The Australian Open is less than two weeks away and Novak Djokovic, the former betting favorite to win it all, won't be in the country to defend his 2021 title.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced today that Djokovic needed to provide "acceptable proof that he cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons" in order to be allowed into Australia.
Djokovic was the favorite, +140, to win the Australian Open. With him out of the pool, here are three players that have a chance to walk away as the champion.
All odds listed are via WynnBET.
Novak Djokovic will be sent home after having his visa canceled by the Australian government, per @cokeefe9 pic.twitter.com/GHyQCyyp6X
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 5, 2022
Players To Watch At The Australian Open
- Daniil Medvedev +225
- Alexander Zverev +300
- Jannik Sinner +1800
Daniil Medvedev +225
Due to Djokovic’s amazing year, Medvedev’s greatness was overlooked. However, he made it to two Grand Slam Finals and even beat Djokovic in the U.S. Open final to end the year. If Djokovic doesn’t play, Medvedev will have even more momentum to build on going into 2022.
Medvedev is entering his prime, and he should be considered the favorite without Djokovic in the field and the biggest threat to Djokovic if he plays.
Alexander Zverev +300
Zverev made two Grand Slam semifinals last year and walked away with the Gold Medal in Japan. He’s had several deep runs in Grand Slams over the last two years and has solidified himself as one of the tougher outs on the Men’s side of the bracket.
Zverev pushed Djokovic to five sets in the U.S. Open semi, even taking the first set off of him. If Zverev can get a favorable draw, getting to the final won’t be as much of a struggle. Zverev is one of the three players with their odds under +1000. He’s in the top tier of players and without Djokovic, he gets a bigger target on his back.
Jannik Sinner +1800
Even with a lot of the top players expected to be in Australia, Jannik Sinner (No. 10 in the ATP) is a name to look out for. He finished 2021 strong, making it to the Round of 16 in the U.S. Open. Sinner has recent experience against Medvedev and Zverev and can use that in his favor to be one of the surprise players in the tournament.
*These odds are subject to change.