The 2022 Australian Open is set to kick off on Monday, January 17, with the opening rounds of the year’s first Grand Slam tennis tournament. The competition will take place at the world-renowned Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, where some of the best men and female tennis players will duke it out for the lion’s share of the A$75,000,000 and the title of Grand Slam champion.
With the 2022 Australian Open betting odds already out and the Grand Slam fast approaching, let’s take a look at the main favorites to take home the title and provide you with our betting pick for the Australian Open.
Futures Australian Open
Novak Djokovic Situation
After a controversial lead-up to the first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year, Novak Djokovic could take part in the 2022 Australian Open. While his attendance is yet to be officially confirmed, the tournament organizers have given him the no.1 seed, meaning we can expect him to step on the Australian clay – until proven otherwise.
With nine Australian Open titles to his name, the Serbian tennis star is also the most successful Open Era player. Beyond that, winning in Australia would also secure Djokovic his 21st Grand Slam title, surpassing Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
Assuming he attends the event, it’s hard to doubt Djokovic and his chances to win; however, he will have to deal with an unfavorable crowd. What’s more, Djokovic had minimal preparation time, which can’t help his cause as he chases his 10th title. With all of these is Djokovic for sure is one to keep close on your tennis betting pick.
Daniil Medvedev can be No.1
Assuming Djokovic won’t step up and deliver, Daniil Medvedev is the next in line to take home toe crown. The current world no.2 has been phenomenal last season, and many expect him to do just as well in 2022.
Most notably, Medvedev denied Djokovic a completed Grand Slam by beating them in the finals of the 2021 U.S. Open. And we have to keep in mind that Medvedev tends to deliver on clay courts, which is just one more reason it wouldn’t be wrong to prefer him over the Serb.
He made it to the finals in Melbourne last year, and considering the form Medvedev has been showing throughout 2021; it would be difficult to view him as a true underdog for the 2022 Australian Open.
Who to Bet on At 2022 Australian Open
Although his appearance remains uncertain, Djokovic is priced as the favorite to win the 2022 Australian Open. That’s fair since he is by far the most successful tennis player on the Australian court, and given his status as the current best player in the world, it’s hard to doubt his ability to win his 10th Australian Grand Slam title.
That said, he hasn’t had enough time to prepare due to quarantine properly, and he will have to deal with a hostile crowd, which has spurred Djokovic in the past. With that in mind, Daniil Medvedev comes as a far better pick.
He has already won against Djokovic last season and has been showing immense growth as a player. And beyond that, Daniil Medvedev has made it to the finals of the Australian Open in 2021, eventually losing to Djokovic.
For a longshot pick, Denis Shapovalov can be considered. He had a solid performance in the ATP Cup Final and seemed to enjoy playing on the hard courts. And let’s not forget, Shapovalov was the U.S. Open quarter-finalist in 2020 and Wimbledon semi-finalist in 2021.
Prediction: Daniil Medvedev
Prediction: Denis Shapovalov