2022 Australian Open Odds: Novak Djokovic Favored Amidst Growing Controversy

2022 Australian Open Odds: Novak Djokovic Favored Amidst Growing Controversy

The first grand slam of the season is just days away, but the saga surrounding Novak Djokovic and his controversial participation at this year’s Australian Open continues. From having his visa canceled upon his arrival, winning an injunction against said visa cancellation to a fresh wave of controversy regarding errors on his Australian entry declaration form, flagrant disregard for health and safety protocols prior to his arrival….it’s the biggest sporting scandal of the new year, dominating worldwide headlines.

Thus, the possibility that Djokovic may be deported still hangs over his head and, in turn, over the proceedings, although bookmakers unanimously across the board maintain the Serbian starlet as the top bet to clinch the coveted title. Whether the markets are right to do so amidst the whirlwind of controversy Down Under remains to be seen. The Australian government is due to deliver its verdict before Friday (local time) according to various news outlets, the day the Australian Open is set to release the official draw for the tournament. So, examining the tennis futures for the year’s first grand slam event might be a bit premature. However, precisely at this point, is when bettors can find some of the best value in the market.

So, without too much preamble, here’s a look at some of the top contenders in the market as it stands right now.

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Novak Djokovic (+135)

The World No.1 player is the tournament defending champion three years running and the most winningest Australian Open champion in the Open Era with nine Aussie titles. The Australian Open starts on Monday, January 17 when Djokovic hopes to be able to launch his bid for a tenth Australian Open title and a historic 21st grand slam title. Djokovic is tied with Rodger Federer and Rafael Nadal on a record 20 grand slam titles, but a win would see the polarising tennis star separate himself from his biggest rivals. The 34-year-old closed the game on his rivals last year after winning three of the four majors.

Daniil Medvedev (+220)

The Russian starlet won his maiden grand slam title at last year’s US Open, beating Novak Djokovic in straight sets in the final. Medvedev was making his third major final appearance and second of 2021 – he lost to Djokovic in the Australian Open final earlier that year. Having gone 0-2 at the majors, bookmakers installed Medvedev as the firm underdog. Tale told, he defied the tennis odds, and in so doing, denied Djokovic his 21st major title and simultaneously the calendar slam.

Alexander Zverev (+350)

Germany’s Alexander Zverev is the third-best bet to win the 2022 Aussie Open with most of the top-rated sportsbooks, even though he has yet to accomplish the feat. Zverev has only ever reached one major final in his career: 2020 US Open (l. to Rafael Nadal).

Rafael Nadal (+1000)

After the aforementioned top tandem, Rafael Nadal emerges as the fourth-best bet. The Spaniard’s odds dropped a fraction this week after he clinched the ATP 250 title in Melbourne, a warmup event ahead of the Australian Open. Nadal is also gunning for his 21st grand slam title, but the Aussie Open represents his least successful of the four grand slams. To date, he has one title to his credit after beating Roger Federer in an epic, five-set marathon final in 2009. Nadal has made four more finals Down Under (2012, 2014, 2017, and 2019).

Stefanos Tsitsipas (+2900)

Stefanos Tsitsipas rounds out the top five best bets to spot Down Under this month in the race to the first grand slam title of 2022. The Greek reached his first grand slam final in 2021 but lost to Novak Djokovic in a five-set thriller. Tsitsipas comes into the new year with some question marks regarding his form, which makes him a bit of a longshot bet. He enjoyed a brief stint at the ATP Cup last week, losing his only full singles match in three sets. He received a walkover in the other.

The Rest of the Field

The first grand slam of the year can be unpredictable, serving up surprise runs by unheralded or unexpected players. Going into Melbourne Park next week are several players that could be dangerous floaters to spot. Canadians Denis Shapovalov and Felix Augers-Allliassime are coming off a victory in the ATP Cup, beating Russia in the final. Frenchman Gael Monfils is coming off a win over Karen Khachanov at the Adelaide International 1 last week, while American, Maxime Cressy finished runner-up to Nadal at the Melbourne Summerset Open. Cressy defeated well-known players such as Grigor Dimitrov and compatriot Reilly Opelka, amongst several others, on the way to the final.

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