Our tennis guy previews the 2017 Australian Open Men’s Draw set to take place from Monday 15 January – Sunday 21 January.
It’s that exciting time again as the tennis world focuses on the blazing hardcourts of Melbourne Park for the year’s first Grand Slam. After last year’s iconic showdown featuring legends Federer and Nadal dominating the scene, it will be intriguing to see if they can keep their momentum while battling age and injuries – factors affecting the two greatest players the sport has ever known.
On the injury front, the ever-charismatic Andy Murray faces a setback with hip surgery sidelining him for the season’s start. Kei Nishikori is also out, and several other top contenders face fitness doubts: Nadal’s persistent knee troubles, Djokovic making a thrilling comeback after a substantial break, and Raonic battling wrist and calf strains. This could open the door for the promising ‘Next Gen’ stars to challenge the tennis elite’s reign.
Previous Champions
2017: Roger Federer
2016: Novak Djokovic
2015: Novak Djokovic
2014: Stan Wawrinka
2013: Novak Djokovic
The Top Seeds
Rafael Nadal
Roger Federer
Grigor Dimitrov
Alex Zverev
Dominic Thiem
Marin Cilic
David Goffin
Jack Sock
The Joker in the Pack – Novak Djokovic at 6/1
Novak’s return to Grand Slam contention is a welcome boost for tennis fans. While Federer and Nadal have an iconic rivalry, Djokovic’s playful and unpredictable nature adds a refreshing twist to the men’s game. Although he hasn’t competed in a Grand Slam since Wimbledon’s quarter-finals last year, Djokovic aims for a record seventh Australian Open title. Seeded 14th, he faces a challenging draw.
Placed in the draw’s bottom half, Novak’s first test is Donald Young, followed by a potential second-round figt against Gael Monfils. Then, perhaps a fourth-round match-up with Alex Zverev and a quarter-final against Dominic Thiem await – though Djokovic convincingly defeated Thiem at the Kooyong Classic earlier this year. The semi-finals might see him clash with defending champion Federer. At 6/1, Djokovic is shaping up as an intriguing wager.
The Favourites – Roger Federer at 15/8 and Rafa Nadal at 9/2
Federer remains the bookmakers’ top pick at 15/8, an incredible turnaround considering last year’s doubts about his Grand Slam prospects. Fresh off winning seven titles, including two Slams in 2017, Federer started the season strong with a Hopman Cup victory alongside Belinda Bencic – Switzerland’s first in 17 years. Federer’s defeat of Alex Zverev en route to the title highlights the quality of competition in his half of the draw. Still, tough matchups against Tomas Berdych, Juan Martin Del Potro, and David Goffin could present epic battles.
Nadal’s camp, led by coach Carlos Moya, downplays his knee issues, though there’s concern for the knees that endure relentless pressure. Nadal’s top-half draw includes Dimitrov, Cilic, Isner, and Carreno-Busta. The semi-finals could pit him against Dimitrov, who pushed him to the limit last year in a five-set thriller. Nadal’s resilience will be thoroughly tested.
The Next Gen Contenders – Grigor Dimitrov at 11/1 and Alex Zverev at 16/1
Between Dimitrov and Zverev, Dimitrov appears the more likely champion. While Zverev claimed two Masters 1000 titles last year, becoming the first outsider of the ‘big four’ to do so since 2007, his stamina in five-set Slams remains unproven. The expected hot Australian conditions may challenge his physical limits. Dubbed ‘Baby Fed’ for his style and flair, Dimitrov enjoyed success reaching the semi-finals last year and winning Brisbane. At 11/1, he offers great value, especially with Nadal’s injury shadow looming. However, he could face a fiery challenge from home favourite Nick Kyrgios in the fourth round, backed by passionate local support.
The Outside Contenders
The Wildcard – Nick Kyrgios at 16/1
Nick Kyrgios is a wild card who cannot be underestimated. Should he overcome Dimitrov, he could defeat Thiem and pose a serious threat to Federer deep in the draw. Though Kyrgios didn’t have a major breakthrough last season, he showed tantalising promise, including beating Novak at Indian Wells and taking Federer to the brink in Miami’s semi-finals. Kyrgios also defeated Nadal in Cincinnati and claimed the Brisbane title this year. If he can manage the psychological hurdles common among Aussie players, Kyrgios could make a major splash.
To Russia with Love – Andrey Rublev at 200/1
This is a speculative pick signalling Russian men’s tennis resurgence. Since Safin claimed the Australian Open, no Russian male has reached a Slam final. New talents like Daniil Medvedev, Karen Khachanov, and Andrey Rublev are emerging challengers. Rublev, the youngest Top 50 player, recently reached the Qatar Open final and was runner-up at the inaugural ATP Next Gen Tournament. Working diligently with coach Fernando Vicente in Barcelona to boost his physique, Rublev could break through this year. His first-round test against veteran David Ferrer will be telling.
Written by Damien Kayat for @Hollywoodbets.net
