Novak Djokovic names Australian Open favourites ahead of competitive return
Novak Djokovic is ‘flattered’ to be considered as one of the favourites at the Australian Open but insists that Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are still the men to beat in Melbourne Park.
The Serb is set to make his competitive return to action at the first Grand Slam of 2018, having not played since retiring from his Wimbledon quarter-final against Tomas Berdych in July.
Although question marks remain over his physical fitness – with Djokovic admitting his elbow is not yet 100% – and after being handed a testing draw, bookmakers rank the Serb among the three players most likely to win the title.
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Most Australian Open titles (ATP)
6 – Djokovic
6 – Emerson
5 – Federer
4 – Agassi
4 – Crawford
4 – Rosewall
His pedigree in Melbourne is unparalleled in men’s tennis and the Serb can become the outright most successful male to compete at the Australian Open with a title Down Under in 2018.
However, he played down his chances and insists that Nadal and Federer are the main contenders.
‘I appreciate that. I’m grateful and flattered that people see me as one of the favourites,’ he said.
‘But I have to take a step back.
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‘Roger with the year he had last year and Nadal, I don’t think I’ll be the favourite.
‘I haven’t played in six months. I have great results here but I’ll take it a bit more modestly and see how my matches go.’
Aside from Federer and Nadal, Djokovic views Nick Kyrgios as a major threat at the event.
Latest Australian Open odds
Roger Federer 2/1
Rafael Nadal 7/2
Novak Djokovic 7/1
Grigor Dimitrov 11/1
Nick Kyrgios 14/1
Alexander Zverev 16/1
David Goffin 22/1
Juan Martin del Potro 22/1
Marin Cilic 28/1
Dominic Thiem 40/1
Stan Wawrinka 50/1
Milos Raonic 50/1
Kevin Anderson 66/1
Jack Sock 80/1
The 22-year-old Australian was in excellent form on his way to the title at the Brisbane International, and Djokovic hailed him as one of the top challengers.
‘These two guys, considering the year they had and considering they played finals together here in Australia’, Djokovic told Omnisport. ‘They’re definitely the two favourites to look at, but it’s still open.
‘Nick is in great form. He is a home favourite. Australians are always getting great support here. [Thanasi] Kokkinakis is a good player too.
‘Anything can happen. It’s a Grand Slam.’
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