The first Grand Slam of the 2023 season is soon upon us, and the best players on the planet will be targeting the ultimate success Down Under. The Australian Open 2023 will get underway on Monday 16th January, as the opening rounds get underway, but which players could be poised to make challenges for the men’s and women’s titles in Melbourne?
Men’s Australian Open 2023 Contenders
Novak Djokovic was forced to sit out the Australian Open last year due to COVID-19 measures in place, but the Serbian superstar will be back Down Under this year. Djokovic is the current 8/10 favourite with BetXchange to win the Grand Slam, and his experience could be key. No player in the history of the Grand Slam in the Open Era has been more successful at the Australian Open than Djokovic, with the Serbian having won the top title on nine occasions.
Last year’s winner was Rafael Nadal, but he has struggled with injury issues throughout the past six months. That is reflected in his current price in the betting, as the Spanish icon is a 14/1 chance. Daniil Medvedev is the current second choice in the betting, and he is likely to produce another very strong display.
Nick Krygios excelled at Wimbledon last summer, as he reached a final of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career. The Australian will have home support for the tournament once again, and he will be looking to build after winning the doubles title last year. Cameron Norrie may be a sleeper pick at 49/1 after reaching the final of an ATP event for the 12th time earlier this week.
Men’s Australian Open 2023 Prediction
Cases can be made for many of the top stars in the betting, but it looks incredibly hard to see past Djokovic. The Serbian has dominated this Grand Slam throughout his career, and we expect him to land a tenth time Down Under.
Pick: Novak Djokovic at 8/10 with BetXchange.
Women’s Australian Open 2023 Contenders
The women’s Grand Slam events are so often wide-open affairs, and cases can be made for many of the top players involved. Last year’s champion was Ashleigh Barty, but she will not be back to defend her title. The betting is headed by Polish star Iga Swiatek, who will be searching for a fourth Grand Slam success. She landed two wins at Grand Slam events last year, including the U.S. Open at the end of 2022.
Arya Sabalenka has always threatened to get involved in the Grand Slam events, but her wait for a maiden title has continued. She is likely to go closer once again this year, as her recent form has been incredibly eye-catching. Ons Jabeur had a year to remember in 2022, as she reached the finals at both Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. A first Grand Slam title beckons, but I think she has more chance of a first success later in the year at Wimbledon.
Liudmila Samsonova could be a dark horse to consider for the Australian Open this year. She comes into the event Down Under in the best form of her career, and has already beaten stars such as Sabalenka, and Belinda Bencic on the hard surface.
Women’s Australian Open 2023 Prediction
Jessica Pegula is a very intriguing third choice in the betting, and there is certainly value to side with her Down Under. She has been competitive at all Grand Slam events over the past two years, which includes runs to the quarterfinals in each of the previous two editions of the Australian Open. As a value play, she will be my pick.
