Australian Open contenders: Novak Djokovic
Sunday 18 January 2015 20:17, UK
Novak Djokovic heads into the Australian Open as the man to beat as he looks to claim his fifth title.
The Serbian was upset in last year’s quarter-finals by eventual winner Stanislas Wawrinka but is odds-on to renew his dominance of the event in 2015.
Sky Bet make him just 10/11 for this year’s title, cutting his odds from 11/10 following a favourable draw, with Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Roger Federer all in the other half.
The season’s first Grand Slam has been the cornerstone of Djokovic's dominance of the ATP Tour over recent years, with three successive titles between 2011 and 2013.
There are arguably few environments which suit Djokovic better, with the draining conditions thrown up by the Australian climate adding to the physical demands.
Early suggestions are that the courts are quicker than in previous years but, given the majority of headline matches played at night and his record indoors, it would still take a magnificent performance to oust the world No 1.
The solitary concern is whether he will be in peak condition for the fortnight, having struggled with a bout of illness in the build-up, and suffering a shock defeat to Ivo Karlovic in Doha.
Melbourne Park record
Probability suggests that Djokovic will equal Roy Emerson’s record with the most Australian Open wins, sitting two behind with plenty of opportunities ahead.
The 27-year-old is odds-on for the 2015 edition and is sure to be favourite for some years ahead, unless injuries intervene, with his dominance of the hard-courts showing no signs of weakening.
He said...
"I don't think it's nice to talk about the title ... when the tournament hasn't started yet. There are so many players who are contenders to win.
"Considering the success that I had in my career in this tournament gives me enough reason and confidence to believe I can go far.
"(But) 120 players want to prove that they deserve to be in this tournament, and they have huge motivation to win against the top players.
"So I'll take it one match at a time."
“It’s hard to make a case against Djokovic at the Australian Open despite last year’s disappointment.
“Over five sets there is nobody who can match the world No. 1 and, with doubts over his rivals, we make him odds-on to win the event.
“It’s rare that we make a player odds-on for a Grand Slam other than Nadal on clay, so it is a clear indication of how highly he is rated.”
