2023 Australian Open favourites and predictions
As the 2022 tennis season finishes it would be easy to conclude that it’s business as usual when it comes to handing out the big prizes; after all, members of the ‘big 3’ once again dominated proceedings, with Rafa Nadal picking up the Australian Open title and, inevitably, yet another French Open, and Novak Djokovic taking home a 7th Wimbledon crown. However, the emergence of teenage phenomenon Carlos Alcaraz, who sensationally won the US Open title, points to a potential changing of the guard at the top of the men’s game. Indeed, by winning in New York Alcaraz became the 1st player to attain, and finish the year, ranked No.1, other than one of the big 4 (incl Andy Murray) since 2003. What’s more, behind Alcaraz is a whole slew of talented young guns who had breakthrough seasons themselves, including: Yannik Sinner, Casper Ruud, and Holger Rune.
So should we be optimistic that 2023 could be the most exciting and open season for many a year?
The opening grand slam of the year down under (16-29th January) will offer many clues. We look at the form guide.
Novak Djokovic (ATP Ranking – 5)
We all know what happened to Nole last year and the debacle surrounding his omittance from the tournament. We also know that he left everyone in no doubt that, in his view, the title was somehow tainted because of his absence. He does have a point: he has a record 9 titles down under, and is almost unbeatable there. So when the Aussie tennis authorities announced that the 3 year ban they had imposed on Djokovic would be lifted and that he was clear to play in Melbourne, you could almost hear the collective grown from the rest of the men’s tour. After what happened last year he will be even more focused, even more determined, to take the title.
Prediction: Overwhelming favourite to make it number 10.
Price: +110 / 5/4
Carlos Alcaraz (ATP Ranking – 1)
The latest news is that Alcaraz is a none runner after suffering a leg injury in training.
It’s amazing to be talking about the 19 year old Spaniard as one of the favourites. A year go he was ranked 32 in the world, and was beaten in the 3rd round of the Aus Open. Less than a year on and ‘Carlito’ stands at the top of the men’s game as the new World No.1; his sensational win at the US Open the highlight of the year. He has the perfect all-court game for hardcourts: power and finesse, and can run all day long. And with his first slam in the bag, knows how to do it.
Prediction: At least semi-final
Price: +600 / 11/2
The best new generation players
Yannik Sinner (ATP Ranking – 15)
For many Sinner’s match against Alcaraz at the US Open was the match of the year. It was 5 sets of the highest quality, with Alcaraz just coming out on top. Even though he lost it proved to the world that not only is he a hugely gifted talent but a fighter – he also went toe to toe with Djokovic at Wimbledon, eventually losing in 5.
$1,000 Deposit Bonus
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$1,000 In Bonus BetsBONUS CODE: PLEDGEHe has the game for hardcourts: huge groundstrokes and moves exceptionally well.
Had his best season in 2022, making the top 10. Last time out in Melbourne he made 1/4 finals. Should go one better this time round.
Prediction: Semi-finals
Price +1700 / 17/1
Rafa Nadal (ATP Ranking – 2)
Image credit Pixabay
Knocked out in round 2
Rafa had another amazing year, which started with one of his most famous victories, from 2 sets down to Medvedev in the Aus Open final; a victory which saw him become the outright leader in grand slam titles – 21. An incredible 14th French Open title saw him move further ahead of Federer and Djokovic. Could Nadal repeat his heroics once again in Melbourne? If his season end is anything to go by it looks a tall order. Rafa looked gassed at the year end Tour Finals, on top of which he was carrying an injury. Will give his all as usual, but will need a kind draw to go deep.
Prediction: Quarter-finals
Price: +1500 / 15/1
The greatest tennis players of all time
Casper Ruud (ATP Ranking – 3)
What a year the 23 year old Norwegian has had! Made 2 grand slam finals (Roland Garros and US Open, runner up at Tour Finals, 3 ATP titles, and a career high ranking of #3. By making the final in New York, Ruud proved that he’s not just a clay court specialist – he has the all court game for hard courts. His quiet demeaner belies an inner steal and self belief. Many have underestimated him – to their peril.
Prediction: At least quarters
Price: +1800 / 25/1
Stefanos Tsitsipas (ATP Ranking – 4)
Despite a world ranking of 4, the dynamic Greek had a mixed season in 2022. Only 2 titles and lost in the 3rd rd at Wimbledon, 4th rd at Roland Garros, and humiliatingly 1st rd in New York. He does like the courts in Melbourne however – his record is impressive down under: making the semi-finals on his last three visits.
Could be due for an upset though. Depends if he’s in the mood.
Prediction: chance of an early exit
Price: +2300 / 20-1
Danil Medvedev (Ranking 7)
Another with an up and down year. The rangy Russian was this year’s runner up at the Aus Open – squandering a 2 sets to love lead over Nadal. He briefly held the world number one ranking but seemed to struggle in the role as leader of the pack. He as since slipped down the rankings to number 7. However, he revels in conditions in Australia; the faster, low bouncing, courts suit his style – he’s made the final the last 2 years. Should go well again.
Prediction: Semi-finals or better
Price: +600 / 6/1
Felix Auger-Aliassime (Ranking 6)
The likeable Canadian had a breakthrough year in 2022 – winning 4 titles, all indoor hardcourt. Lost in a sensational 5 set match against Nadal at the French Open and suffered a heartbreaking loss to Medvedev at the Aus Open from 2 sets to love up. He has improved a lot this season and currently has a career high ranking of 6. Has big weapons for hardcourts and should do well again in Melbourne this time round. Tennis betting has priced him as on outsider but we think he has a good chance.
Prediction: Quarters or better.
Price: +1800
Outsiders with a chance:
Francis Tiafoe (Ranking 19)
One player that the top seeds will want to avoid in the earlier rounds is American Francis Tiafoe. His standout performance at this year’s US Open where he beat Nadal on the way to a semi-final loss to eventual winner Alcaraz shows he loves the big stage and faster hard courts. Will arrive in Melbourne refreshed from an extended off season.
Price: +5500
Nick Kyrgios (Ranking 22)
NKs relative low ranking will make him a dangerous floater in Melbourne. None of the top seeds will relish facing the mercurial Aussie; he has the game and confidence to beat anyone.
He reached his first slam final at Wimbledon this year and it’s re-invigorated him. Will love the attention at his home slam. If he keeps his emotions in check a favourable draw could see Nick go deep.
Kyrgios has withdrawn from the Aus Open due to injury.
Price +1600
2023 Women’s grand slam favourites
One to watch: Holger Rune (Ranking 11)
The Danish teen star (19) shocked the world of tennis when he defeated Novak Djokovic to the title at the Paris Masters in November; one of 3 titles in 2022. Has a huge game for the hardcourts, and fears no one. Will be fascinating to watch his progress in 2023; not least at the opening slam.
Price: +2100
Women’s Draw
With Naomi Osaka out due to injury, its Iga Swaitek who is clear favourite at +195. Aryna Sabalenka is +950, while Jessica Pegula is 3rd favourite priced at +1000. Next are:
Caroline Garcia +1200
Ons Jabeur +1300
Coco Gauff +1500
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