Australian Open 2024 predictions: Is favourite Novak Djokovic in a race against time?

A recent bump in Novak Djokovic’s road to the first major of the season could affect the world number one’s confidence in his bid to win an 11th Australian Open title.

Many others will be snapping at his heals and want to make their own bold claims at winning this Grand Slam.

Below we will have a look at some key players in both the Men’s and Women’s draws.

Find all the latest Australian Open news here.

Men’s Australian Open

Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic lost 6-4 6-4 to Alex de Minaur in the United Cup on Wednesday, which was the Serbian’s first loss on Australian soil since the fourth round of the 2018 Aussie Open. However, the loss was not the most worrying sight for Djokovic fans as Novak twice needed treatment on his right wrist, which for obvious reasons is concerning, so close to the Australian Open. But as all tennis fans know Djokovic is one of, if not the most hardcore athletes with great levels of determination and won’t let this injury affect his chances. He will want to prove the doubters wrong by bouncing back from this recent defeat to secure an unbelievable 11th Australian Open.

Novak Djokovic to win the Australian Open is 11/10

Carlos Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz demonstrated, throughout the whole of 2023, his exceptional talent and skill on the tennis court. His powerful shots, agility, and ability to adapt to different playing styles make him a formidable opponent and the most likely candidate to put Djokovic to the sword.

Carlos Alcaraz to win the Australian Open is 10/3

Jannik Sinner

The third player worth noting is Italian, Jannik Sinner, who in the second half of 2023 showed vast improvement. He has reached, what seems to be, a good standard in each aspect of the game, achieving multiple impressive results, including winning last season’s Canadian Open. This is also shown as he is now fourth on the ATP ranking list, which makes him the highest-ranked Italian men’s player of all-time. If Sinner continues to improve and maintains his high level, he has a good chance of going the distance down under.

Jannik Sinner to win the Australian Open is 6/1

Women’s Australian Open

Iga Swiatek

World number one ranked Iga Swiatek is a four-time major champion, having triumphed at the French Open three times (2020, 2022 and 2023) and the US Open once (2022). Swiatek has been performing well for Poland in the United Cup heading into the tournament and you would expect similar performances in Melbourne as she bids to go two better after reaching the semi-final in 2022.

Iga Swiatek to win the Australian Open is 5/2

Aryna Sabalenka

Last year’s winner is set to make an impressive return to the tournament in a bid to retain her crown. Sabalenka has been in great form and is going into the tournament filled with confidence after recent performances such as the emphatic win over Zhu Lin in the quarter final of the Brisbane Open. The Belarusian’s serve and power is a potent weapon, and she will be looking to blast her way to more Aussie Open success.

Aryna Sabalenka to win the Australian Open is 9/2

Emma Raducanu

Emma Raducanu is worth noting as the Briton now has direct entry into the main draw of the Grand Slam event due to Lauren Davis’ withdrawal with a shoulder injury. Raducanu could use this opportunity to play with an element of freedom and with less pressure on her. If she can put last season’s injury behind her and find form that she has shown in the past, there is no reason why she can’t a defy a large price, and she looks a worthy each way shout.

Emma Raducanu to win the Australian Open is 40/1