We’ve watched Djokovic win it all in five of the last six editions of the Australian Open, including the previous two years. This year, however, will probably turn out quite different and surely a lot tougher for the Serbian, who’s eyeing to become just the first ever player to win seven titles in Melbourne.
He won’t be playing as the top seed, and is placed in arguably the tournament’s most unpredictable draw. His opening match versus Fernando Verdasco, who was a semifinalist here last year, already has the makings of a potential upset or, at least, a thriller. Djokovic is currently priced -1,800 to win that upcoming matchup.
Nevertheless, it’s still hard to bet against a 12-time Grand Slam champion and one who’s hungry as ever to rule the tennis world once more. Djokovic gave us a good reminder of that earlier this month at Doha, where he brought home the title after a statement victory over current World No. 1 Andy Murray.
To say the least, Murray’s made many good memories in Melbourne. He’s finished as the runner-up in five of the last seven Australian Opens while coming up short four times (2011, 2013, 2015-16) in the final to the same person — Djokovic. It wouldn’t come as a surprise if both end up meeting in the final for the third-straight time.
Before thinking that far ahead though, Murray could find himself in a testy, quarterfinal showdown with a four-time Aussie Open champ and former World No. 1 in Roger Federer, who’s won the last five meetings with the Scotsman. That matchup will be very hard to predict, too.
Murray, who’s entering as the highest seed for the first time in a major event, has brought home the title in five of his last six tournaments, with the lone unsuccessful campaign a runner-up finish in Doha.
Wawrinka should power his way through early on, but a potential fourth-round shown with Nick Kyrgios is where things get interesting. He’s beaten Wawrinka twice in their last three encounters with both wins coming just last year in Madrid and Dubai, respectively. However, many are aware of Wawrinka’s love for big stages. He has three major titles in his resume, including his maiden Grand Slam crown in the 2014 installment of the Australian Open and just last year at the US Open. Can Stan amaze us again Down Under?
Wawrinka is coming off a semifinal, straight-sets loss to Kei Nishikori earlier this month at the Brisbane International.
Federer’s taken a six-month layoff since his semifinal exit in Wimbledon 2016. Thus, some rustiness is expected in his overall play. We’re talking about the Roger Federer here, though. He’s a 17-time Grand Slam winner and a four-time Aussie Open victor. And yes, he’s 35 years old already, but his overwhelming credentials and experience makes him a legitimate contender in any event. The 17th-seeded Federer is a -2,000 favorite in his opening match against Austrian qualifier Jurgen Melzer.
Tsonga has some serious momentum going right now, which makes him one of the intriguing long shots in Melbourne. He’s reached the quarterfinal round in his last five tournaments, including a runner-up finish in Vienna. And speaking of which, Tsonga’s also the 2008 runner-up Down Under.
Writer’s Prediction
We’re gifted with another Djokovic-Murray finals matchup. It’ll be close for sure, but I see the hungrier Djokovic claiming his third-straight Australian Open crown.
