The 2021 Australian Open is now fast approaching, on what is the opening Grand slam of the year.
There had been much speculation as to whether the event would even be going ahead, due to the continued issues around the coronavirus pandemic. It has led to endless sporting events being postponed and cancelled and we even saw Wimbledon cancelled in 2020. Looking ahead to the Australian Open and the big question will be whether Djokovic is set for another victory or if he can be beaten in Melbourne?
Quiet please… ? ? ??? ? #AO2021
We’re just getting warmed up. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/fPbaSXczK7
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 5, 2021
The world number one is the overwhelming favourite heading into the tournament and is short odds to pick up the victory. Many of these betting sites UK have been offering odds on the events and have reported a lot of support coming in for Djokovic. The 33-year-old is of course a 17-time Grand slam winner and continues to push closer to the records currently held by both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The Serbian has had some major success at the tournament with eight titles to date, which also includes him winning for the last two years in succession. This all backs up why he is such a short-priced favourite for the title in 2021 and he is again going to take the world of beating. So, can anyone do it?
There appear to be three key contenders that could topple Djokovic, and this is also clear in the betting. Rafael Nadal is also amongst the favourites and will be looking for his second title at the tournament and also enters in strong form, so must have a solid chance of picking up the victory. He will also be hoping to win the competition for the first time since back in 2009.
Another key contender is Dominic Thiem, who is clearly the next dominating star of the sport. The 27-year-old won his first major last year in America and also reached the final of the Australian Open. This saw him push Djokovic to five sets, so he must again have a strong chance of victory in Australia. Thiem will be looking to continue his rise to the top of the sport, which also now sees him ranked number three in the ATP rankings.
The final player to mention is Daniil Medvedev, who is another rising star of the sport. The Russian is now ranked fourth in the ATP rankings and the 24-year-old is expected to be a future Grand slam winner. Whether this will be too early to topple the previously mentioned trio is unknown, but it all sets up for a fascinating tournament in February and whether we will again see a victory for Djokovic for the third year in succession.
