With the 2019 US Open in the rearview mirror and the ATP season winding down, it’s time to take an early look at the 2020 Australian Open men’s singles. The upcoming slam promises to ensure that a number of ATP players get their 2020 season off to a roaring start.
Fans will be anticipating the return of Andy Murray to Grand Slam singles tennis, he last took part in the 2019 Australian Open, losing to Roberto Bautista Agut in five sets, with a hip injury looming in the background. Retirement was discussed, but Murray instead opted for a resurfacing surgery and came back later in the year where he has slowly been working his way back to the top tier of the ATP level. Presuming he remains fit, Murray should finish the year on the European indoors swing and then get a brief offseason to prepare for Australia.
Murray has had success in Australia, reaching five career AO finals, the most recent in 2016. Though he’s never lifted the title, the ATP tour remains relatively open outside of the big 3 of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer, meaning that depending on his draw there could be an opening for Murray to make a big run. Murray is 26 to 1 in the odds right now to lift the title, which places him ahead of Dominic Thiem, Marin Cilic, and home Australian favorite Alex De Minaur. ADM has yet to reach a second week in Melbourne but he has three ATP titles in 2019 and is at his best on hard courts, making him another dark horse contender.
Other tier 2 and 3 contenders including the promising Russian pair of Daniil Medvedev and Karen Khachanov, Alexander Zverev, who remains a talent despite struggling in slams, and young gun Stefanos Tsitsipas, who will have a ton of support in Melbourne given the cities large Greek diaspora population.
The only players with odds better than 10/1 are Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. Combined the trio have won AO 14 titles, with Djokovic leading the way with 7 (Federer has 6 and Nadal has 1). Federer has struggled to close the door in the late rounds of slam matches during the latter stages of his career, and the AO has not been the best tournament for Rafa though, meaning that Djokovic remains a heavy favorite to lift AO title #8.
The talented but volatile Nick Kyrgios is 26 to 1 in case you’re wondering. When motivated and fit, Kyrgios can beat the world’s best, but during his lulls of focus the quality of his game degrades significantly.
If you’re not certain about the winner of the 2020 Australian Open, it’s worth checking out big win casino games to fill time during the offseason.
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