Defending champion Djokovic has been knocked out in the second round by Denis Istomin, leaving Murray the heavy favourite.
Defending champion Djokovic has suffered a shock defeat at the hands of world number 117 Denis Istomin going down 7-6 (10-8) 5-7 2-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-4.
Normally so assured in long matches, the match lasted four hours and 48 minutes, with Djokovic struggling for form and rhythm throughout. It's the first time Djokovic has lost in the second round of a Grand Slam since at Wimbledon in 2008 and comes after a disastrous end to 2016, by Djokovic's high standards.
For Istomin, it is undoubtedly the biggest scalp he has taken to date, saying "It is the biggest win (of my career) for me and means so much, now I feel I can play with these guys and be with them on the same level,"
Despite an initial tough looking draw, the result also leaves Murray as the heavy favourite to win the tournament at 10/11. Murray has reached five finals in Melbourne but has never won the title, losing four of those finals to Djokovic.
Murray is yet to reach the third round and will play the big-serving American, Sam Querrey on Friday. Although there is a long way to go in the tournament, it is difficult to see past Murray and the odds reflect that. Raonic and past Australian Open winner Stan Wawrinka are next in the betting at around 7/1 but the focus is now sure to be on Murray for him to win his fourth slam and his first of 2017.
