Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek open Australian Open as big favorites

Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek are massive favorites to win their respective draws ahead of the start of the Australian Open on Sunday night (Jan 15).

Djokovic makes his return to Melbourne after being deported ahead of last year's tournament because he was not vaccinated against COVID-19. He is seeking a 10th Australian Open title, which would also pull him into a tie with Rafael Nadal for the most major titles of all time with 22.

Djokovic picked up No 21 at Wimbledon last year and finished 2022 with a victory at the Nitto ATP Finals, completing a run of 18 wins over a 19-match span. His path at Melbourne was made easier when world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz was forced to withdraw due to a leg injury.

The 35-year-old Serbian is the -120 favourite at BetMGM to win the men's title. His closest competitor is Daniil Medvedev (+600), who fell to Nadal in last year's final. Nadal is being offered at +1400, but the 36-year-old is just 4-7 since withdrawing from the semifinals of Wimbledon due to injury.

Nadal, who opens with a tough match against 40th-ranked Jack Draper, potentially could meet Medvedev in the quarterfinals.

Also being offered at +1400 is Stefanos Tsitsipas, with Nick Kyrgios opening the tournament at +1600.

The top American is Taylor Fritz, who is being offered at +2000 along with Jannik Sinner and Felix Auger-Aliassime. Fritz, 25, is seeking his first major title and faces a potential semifinal match against Djokovic if he can get that far.

On the women's side, Swiatek is the heavy +240 favourite, with her closest competition being Aryna Sabalenka at +700. In addition to a record 37-match win streak, Swiatek's 2022 included major titles at the French and US Opens.

The 21-year-old from Poland lost in last year's semifinals