The 2018 Australian Open: Who Will Prevail in Melbourne?

Tennis fans, gear yourself up for another epic year of Grand Slam action–starting with the eagerly anticipated Australian Open in Melbourne during the middle and latter stages of January. Roger Federer was crowned men’s champion in 2017 after defeating familiar foe Rafael Nadal in five sets, and the Swiss star–now a winner of a record 19 major titles–will be in the mix to go on and lift the famous trophy next month.

"It's (2017) been a massive year – perhaps my favourite! If 2018 is half as successful, then I'll be happy." – @rogerfederer #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/S1WiL6bVtU

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) December 14, 2017

If you’re going to be looking at betting on this festival while you follow it, then give the tips for tennis matches a look on Oddschanger. Checking their dedicated tennis page out during big tournaments can prove extremely valuable to even the most experienced punter.

Men’s tennis is now more competitive than it has ever been and there are a handful of elite names who could challenge for glory in the first Grand Slam event of the calendar year. The likes of Nadal, Andy Murray, and Novak Djokovic will all be desperate to stop Federer in his latest bid to secure a 20th Grand Slam crown. Meanwhile, new kid on the block Alexander Zverev will be quietly confident of displacing his older and more experienced rivals.

Federer is still the one to beat

Currently ranked No. 2 in the world, Federer continues to turn back the clock. At 36 years old and arguably the greatest male tennis player of all-time, he should be in his twilight years of his career. But Federer has shown time and time again that he is more than capable of holding his own against his younger opponents.

As of right now, Federer has won a staggering 19 Grand Slam titles and No. 20 may be just around the corner. Capturing another Australian Open title won’t be easy despite his incredible winning percentage in Melbourne. Federer has won 87 percent of his Grand Slam matches at this event and that ratio could rise even further if he finds his best form ahead of the 2018 competition.

Zverev destined for Grand Slam success in the future

Zverev is almost certainly a future Grand Slam champion. The German is playing at a level well above his age and experience. He may be just 20 years old, but the world No. 4 is on the road to greatness–and he knows it. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a true tennis prodigy in action. If this is his tear to shine, though, Zverev will have to fare better in majors–including at the Australian Open (lost in the third round in 2017).

One interesting statistic of note is that Zverev has an excellent record against Federer. On grass Federer has been the better player, but Zverev got the best of Federer on the hard courts of Montreal this past summer. Yes, he is young and still very raw but he can take his own game to the next level in 2018 with a surge to the latter stages of the Australian Open.

Don’t discount Djokovic despite disappointing 2017

Last season quickly turned into something to forget for Djokovic. He failed to overcome a series of niggling injury issues and was eventually ruled out for the final few months of the season. Now, he is back and ready to challenge for the biggest prizes on offer. Can he get back to his brilliant best? Only time will tell….

The Serb was ranked No. 1 in the world for well over a year, but Djokovic’s struggles in 2017 were well-documented and he has now slipped down to 12th in the official ATP rankings. Despite his fall from grace, Djokovic is valued at 4/1 to win the Australian Open with most bookmakers available via Oddshecker. Punters may want to scour the promotions and offers before betting on the inconsistent 30-year-old.

Grigor Dimitrov has been solid in recent months

At 26 years old, Dimitrov is approaching his prime and he will be tough to stop on what is arguably his best surface. Having reached the semifinals of this event in 2017, the Bulgarian may be able to go two steps farther in 2018 as he looks to prove his worth as one of tennis’ modern greats. Do not write him off just yet; he is well worth considering for Grand Slam glory.

Nadal: the one to oust Federer?

The “King of Clay” is about so much more than Roland Garros. Personality wise, Nadal is able to match Federer stride for stride and he is one of tennis’ most likable characters. His own record at the Australian Open isn’t outstanding, but he did push to the brink of defeat in 2017 and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see this one go in his favor.

Now considered the best player on the planet in the official rankings, Nadal can cement his status alongside Federer as the top two men to have ever graced the sport. With Federer favored and Nadal a general 3/1 shot to go on and win Down Under, there isn’t much between the two all-time greats. Most bookmakers are struggling to split these two legends of the game.

Australian Open Prediction

It may see a little clichéd to look at Federer and Nadal, but nobody else really stands out too much at this moment in time. Although Zverev is a future champion and possesses the skill-set to succeed, backing the youngster so soon may be foolish. Neutrals want another titanic clash between two of the greatest players ever to have lived and we could be set for another installment in the classic Federer-Nadal rivalry.

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