- Venue: Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia
- Date: 14-28 January 2024
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Action set to get underway at Melbourne Park
Novak Djokovic is favourite to win a record extending 11th men’s singles title at the Australian Open, while Iga Swiatek is favourite to take the women’s title.
Men’s Singles
In the world of tennis, the spotlight is once again on Novak Djokovic as the 2024 Australian Open kicks off at Melbourne Park. Last year, Djokovic showcased his dominance by clinching two Grand Slam titles, only to face a surprising setback at Wimbledon. However, the Serbian star quickly silenced doubters by securing victories at the Cincinnati Masters and the US Open, marking his 24th Grand Slam title and tying with Margaret Court for the most in tennis history.
As the tournament unfolds, the men’s singles category promises intense competition with Djokovic aiming for an unprecedented 11th Australian Open title. Despite his formidable record, challengers are ready to test his supremacy. Rising star Carlos Alcaraz, ranked world No.2, seeks revenge after a Wimbledon defeat to Djokovic. Daniil Medvedev, a hard court specialist and world No.3, adds another layer of competition, having been in two of the last three Australian Open finals. Jannik Sinner, the Italian sensation, is also on the radar after defeating Djokovic twice in 2023.
Keeping the excitement alive are dark horses such as Alexander Zverev and the Australian crowd favorite, Alex de Minaur. Their unpredictable play styles make them potential spoilers in the quest for the men’s singles title.
Men’s Singles Odds from bet365
| Player | Odds |
| N. Djokovic | 21/20 |
| C. Alcaraz | 10/3 |
| J. Sinner | 6/1 |
| D. Medvedev | 9/1 |
| A. Zverev | 25/1 |
| H. Rune | 28/1 |
| G Dimitrov | 33/1 |
| A De Minaur | 33/1 |
| B Sheldon | 33/1 |
| S. Tsitsipas | 40/1 |
| C Ruud | 50/1 |
| A Rublev | 50/1 |
Women’s Singles
In the women’s singles category, the ‘Big Three’ of Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Elena Rybakina lead the pack, but attention is also on Coco Gauff, who clinched her maiden Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows. Naomi Osaka returns to the court after the birth of her daughter, facing Caroline Garcia in the first round. The anticipation is high for Osaka, a four-time major champion.
The return of Emma Raducanu adds another layer of intrigue, though her chances are uncertain due to recent injury issues. As the British sensation, Raducanu aims to recapture the magic that led her to victory at the US Open in 2021. She is rated as an 80/1 outsider with bet365.
British No.1 Katie Boulter also enters the tournament with aspirations, eyeing her best major performance to date. Having reached the third round at Wimbledon and the US Open last year, Boulter hopes to make a deeper impact at Melbourne Park.
Women’s Singles Odds from bet365
| Player | Winning odds |
| Iga Swiatek | 11/5 |
| Aryna Sabalenka | 4/1 |
| Elena Rybakina | 5/1 |
| Coco Gauff | 11/2 |
| Jessica Pegula | 16/1 |
| Qinwen Zheng | 28/1 |
| Mirra Andreeva | 28/1 |
| Ons Jabeur | 33/1 |
| Jelena Ostapenko | 33/1 |
| Naomi Osaka | 33/1 |
| Maria Sakkari | 33/1 |
Betting tips and predictions
Djokovic is the man to beat in Melbourne. The Serb has no less than 10 Australian Open titles and is now chasing his eleventh title. He has a slight niggle in his right arm, however, if he overcomes this, and it might be worth monitoring his performances in the early rounds, he will take some stopping at one of his favourite venues.
Alcaraz is obviously a contender, however, punters looking for value could turn to Sinner. The Italian actually won the last meeting against Djokovic and could be worth a punt, or at least an each-way bet, especially given his form towards the end of 2023.
On the women’s side, Swiatek will try to win her first Australian Open title and the question is whether the Pole will succeed this time? Her form seems to be coming and the game on Hardcourt suits her quite well. Sabalenka and Rybakina are major contenders. The in-from Gauff might be worth an each-way punt.
Check out the best Australian Open bookies ahead of making your picks!
