- Nadal returns after a year out with injury
- Djokovic favourite ahead of Alcaraz
- Swiatek favourite for women’s singles ahead of Sabalenka
Rafael Nadal, a two-time champion, is set to make a comeback at the Australian Open after almost a year of absence due to injury.
Check out the best Australian Open betting sites with Betting.com.
Nadal to tune up with Brisbane event
Nadal sustained a hip flexor injury during the last Australian Open. Confirming his return, the 37-year-old Spaniardrecently announced his participation in January’s Brisbane International.
In contrast, Australian player Nick Kyrgios is likely to miss the tournament in January. The 28-year-old has faced a challenging 2023 with injuries affecting his wrist, knee, and foot, causing him to miss all four major tournaments. While Kyrgios could potentially receive a wildcard entry, his participation remains uncertain.
Defending champion and world number one Novak Djokovic is gearing up for the Australian Open, aiming for his 11th title at the event and a 25th Grand Slam victory overall.
Nadal, who has clinched 22 major titles, hinted in May that 2024 might be his last year on the tour. The women’s draw will feature a highly anticipated rivalry between world number one Iga Swiatek and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, both confirmed participants.
Former champions Naomi Osaka, Caroline Wozniacki, and Angelique Kerber will also make their return to Melbourne Park after taking time away from the tour, with the latter players having stepped back to start families.
British players receiving direct entry into the tournament include Andy Murray, Cameron Norrie, Jack Draper, Katie Boulter, and Jodie Burrage.
The Australian Open is scheduled to kick off on January 14, with the men’s singles final set for January 28. Tennis enthusiasts can anticipate an exciting start to the year with the return of top players and potential thrilling matchups.
Australian Open Betting
At the time of writing, Nadal is priced at 20/1 to win the Australian Open with BetUK. Despite having won 22 Grand Slams, second only to Djokovic, only two of those titles have come in the Australian Open. So even during Nadal’s best years he may not have been favourite. After a year out of the sport with injury his chances are, obviously, reduced. However, Nadal is one of the greatest players of all time. He has always been prepared to dig in and fight, demonstrating incredibly high levels of determination and is a man who can be relied upon on the big occasion. Therefore, punters may feel that he is worth an each-way bet.
Favourite to win is Djokovic, who seems to have a particular liking for Melbourne having won the tournament a record 10 times. SpreadEx have Djokovic at evens, ahead of Nadal’s compatriot, Carlos Alcaraz, 5/2, Daniil Medvedev, 6/1 and Jannik Sinner, 13/2.
Swiatek is favourite to land the women’s singles at 2/1 ahead of Sabalenka, 5/1 and Rybakina 7/1.
Check out our top lists of Australian Open betting sites and tennis bookies when making your picks.
