The first major of 2024 is set to take place in mid-January, as the Australian Open kicks off down under. Men’s and women’s tournaments will be held at Melbourne Park in Victoria in a bracket-style clash. Top players such as Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Daniil Medvedev are all expected to contend for the coveted trophy. Continue reading to access expert Australian Open 2024 predictions for the men’s tourney and explore the recently available Australian Open odds.
- The Australian Open
- January 14 to January 28, 2024
- Hard Surface (Outdoors)
- Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- ESPN
Australian Open 2024 Betting Odds
Novak Djokovic is listed as the contender most likely to hoist the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup, with odds of (+110) available at highly-rated online sportsbook BetUS. Other top tennis players expected to be in the mix include Carlos Alcaraz, Rafael Nadal, Jannik Sinner, and Daniil Medvedev. Bettors can even take some big longshots such as the lefty Yoshihito Nishioka, the Argentine Sebastian Baez, and recent Wimbledon starlet Chris Eubanks.
See our tennis betting tips and learn about betting on the Australian Open.
Australian Open Past Champion Djokovic to Return
Novak Djokovic is the reigning champion of “the happy slam,” and pundits are not discounting his potential of repeating the feat. The Serb has won a record 10 (!) Australian Open titles, including four out of the last 5 years. In fact, he may have won the last 5 straight if he was not barred from competition due to visa complications.
Djokovic had his visa revoked upon arrival at Melbourne’s airport due to his unvaccinated status against COVID-19. Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke cited broad public interest grounds as reasoning for the controversial deportation. Hawke’s 10-page decision highlighted Djokovic’s status as a prominent unvaccinated figure whose presence in Melbourne might fuel anti-vaccination sentiments and strain the healthcare system.
Heat Policy to be Invoked at Australian Open Again?
Those looking to knock off the dominant Djoker will have to contend with hot weather as well, a consistent issue at the Australian Open in past years. Due to extreme heat during the hot summer months down in Australia, a heat policy was established to protect the well-being of the pro athletes. As Rod Laver Arena features a retractable roof, officials may decide to convert the arena to indoors based on specific conditions.
In 2009, the policy was implemented multiple times during the tournament, which marked the hottest on record, averaging a temperature of 34.7 °C (94.5 °F). During the second day of the 2023 tournament, the policy was enforced due to temperatures reaching 98 degrees Fahrenheit, with a perceived temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit. Consequently, play was halted on all courts without a roof.
Australian Open Odds: Shelton Has Value
In 2023, Shelton experienced a breakout season, notably shining in the latter part of the year, including reaching the quarterfinals at the Australian Open. His consistent performances at Melbourne Park in recent times make him a compelling contender for the 2024 Australian Open, especially considering his progressive improvement over the past year.
Following his emergence as a notable force at the 2023 US Open, Shelton’s journey continued with a significant advancement to the semifinals at Flushing Meadows, propelling him up the rankings. No longer on the periphery of the tour, he currently holds the World No. 17 spot in the ATP rankings as of November 20th, 2023, securing him a seed at the upcoming Australian Open and potentially favoring him with advantageous early-round matchups. Basically, at (+6600), he’s worth a shot.
Can Young Jack Draper Make a Historic Run?
Jack Draper stands out as one of the brightest prospects in British men’s tennis for the future. Despite reaching a top-40 ranking in January 2023, a series of injuries took a toll on his performance, causing him to drop out of the top 100 rankings. Now back up to No. 61 heading into next year, the Brit believes he can go “all the way” in men’s tennis if he channels his development in the right direction.
In 2023, Draper showcased his ability to hang with the best by advancing to the US Open’s round of 16 and securing a spot in the semi-finals at Adelaide 2. Additionally, at the age of 21, Jack Draper equaled Andy Murray’s record as the youngest Brit to reach an ATP tour-level final. However, his encounter with the considerably more experienced Adrian Mannarino at the Sofia Open in Bulgaria led to Draper finishing as the runner-up. At (+20000), it is a must bet for what could be one of the greatest Cinderella stories ever, and a breakthrough moment for the next potential British superstar.
Nick Krygios Worth a Look If Healthy
The ever-controversial Australian Nick Kyrgios will be hoping to make a splash on home soil in January. However, a nagging knee injury left him almost entirely out of competition in 2023, and may keep him out of the first major of 2024 as well. “There is a lot of work to do,” said the Men’s Doubles of the 2022 edition to the Wide World of Sports. “I had some more setbacks after my knee, coming back the first time. It was just not where I wanted to be and it was still causing me a lot of pain. I’ve been around the world with my rehab, seen some people that I hadn’t seen previously for my knee and [got] different opinions.”
It’s uncertain whether Kyrgios will participate as a player in his home Grand Slam. Nevertheless, with his seven ATP titles, there are numerous chances for him to engage with the Australian Open in diverse roles—perhaps as a commentator, coach, or in a new capacity altogether.
Considering his injury concerns, it would be wise to lay off making a bet before seeing him take the court. If he does play, and looks good doing so, a wager on him to win at that point may be worth it, depending on the line. Keep an eye on the Aussie.
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