2017 Australian Open Men's Preview. The tennis world descends to Melbourne for the first Grand Slam of 2017. The New Year traditionally brings hope and optimism, and five players in particular will be feeling good. For over a decade Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka have ruled Grand Slams. Unbelievably, they have won 45 of the last 47 Grand Slams between them. It is hard to argue they will not produce again, but their dominance cannot last forever.
The Contenders
Andy Murray:
Odds $2.45
Murray had an outstanding 2016. He made the Australian Open final while his impending wife was on the other side of the world. He won Wimbledon and finished the year as the number one player in the world. He produces match winning shots, but his strength is his defence and court coverage. He was prone to losing focus during games and moving the battle from the court to his head, however with age, experience and fatherhood those moments are less common now. He seems a lock for the semi-finals and then he is only two wins away.
Novak Djokovic:
Odds $2.60
Djokovic plays his best tennis at Melbourne Park and has won 5 of the last 6 Australian Opens. He was almost unbeatable for eighteen months, but early exits at Wimbledon and the Olympics saw his invincibility wane. He then had an uneasy split with his coach Boris Becker and ended the year as world number two. His game, accuracy and defensive skills are elite. Expect him to be at the pointy end of the tournament and challenging for his seventh Australia Open.
Stan Wawrinka:
Odds $12.00
This Swiss veteran can hit winners from deep in the baseline. His forehand is strong and his backhand is lethal. He stopped Djokovic’s, Nadal’s, Federer’s and Murray’s dominance by winning the 2014 Australian Open. He then won the 2015 French Open and the last Grand Slam of 2016, the US Open. He might not have the finesse of Djokovic or Federer, but he is a dangerous player. He is a chance as his best is good enough.
Rafael Nadal:
Odds $13.00
Nadal has won 14 Grand Slams, including the 2009 Australian Open. His game is built on tenacity, speed and a vicious forehand. Unfortunately, his high-energy game and heavy training regime has taken a toll as his last few years have been hampered by injury. For all of Nadal’s success he has only won one Grand Slam away from clay since 2010. The odds are against him, but Nadal never goes down without a fight.
Milos Raonic:
Odds $17.00
The big serving hard hitting Canadian is entering his prime. He is 26 years old, world number three and made his first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon last year. He also impressed at last year’s Australian Open by making the semi-final. His serve is as good as anyone in the game and he backs it up with a solid forehand. His time is coming, but Murray and Djokovic stand in his way.
Roger Federer:
Odds $17.00
The Grand Slam record holder returns to Australia for another campaign. His grace, humility, skill and popularity is undeniable, but the facts are Federer is 35 years old, is coming off an extended break due to knee surgery, has not played a five-set match since July and has not won a Grand Slam since 2012. It is testament to his character, ability and motivation that he is still considered a possibility considering the demands on modern players.
The Roughie
Grigor Dimitrov:
Odds $34.00
The Bulgarian was widely tipped as a potential Grand Slam winner at a young age. His game grew with experience on the tour and in 2014 he peaked at world number eight, reached the Wimbledon semi-final and was a quarter finalist at the Australian Open. His game has stagnated since then, but talent doesn’t disappear. If he can get on a roll and a few things fall his way, the world number 15 might live up to early expectations.
The Australians
Nick Kyrgios:
Odds $34.00
A 19-year-old Kyrgios captured a nation in 2014 when he defeated world number one Nadal and made the quarter final at Wimbledon. In the years since Kyrgios has battled the fame and scrutiny associated with professional sport. He has an abundance of talent and enjoys the centre stage before his home crowd. His mentality and at times application remains questionable. His aim is to get to week two and then challenge himself against the best players in the world.
Bernard Tomic:
Odds $151.00
Like Kyrgios, Tomic shot to prominence at a young age and has been plagued by off-court troubles. The other similarity to Kyrgios is he can play. Tomic’s technique is unconventional. He has a flat swing and doesn’t employ a lot of dip and top spin on his shots. His height helps him with his ground strokes. A quarter final appearance would be a good result considering he has only made one Grand Slam quarter final in his career.
For the latest Australian Open market, click here.
