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With the 2022 Australian Open set to begin in a few days' time, excitement levels are spiking. On the men's side, the field has always been dominated by three players, namely Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
But the next generation of contenders have raised their level and are challenging the trio's dominance. Daniil Medvedev and Dominic Thiem have already succeeded by winning the US Open, though the latter won't be competing in Melbourne this time around.
Federer is also recovering from surgery, while Djokovic's participation remains uncertain. The field might seem open, yet there are five clear favorites to win the Australian Open.
#5 Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal made a successful comeback to the circuit that culminated in the Spaniard winning his 89th career title at the 2022 Melbourne Summer Set. He hadn't played in a professional tournament since August due to a foot injury and had just recovered from COVID-19 in December.
Nadal will now have his sights set on a second Australian Open title and first since 2009.
He didn't face any top players en route to his latest title, so it's tough to gauge what his level will be against quality opposition. But the former World No. 1 has made plenty of successful comebacks in the past, so it's unwise to count a man of his experience out just yet.
#4 Matteo Berrettini
Matteo Berrettini had a career-best season in 2021, especially at the Grand Slams. His Australian Open campaign ended in disappointment after he withdrew in the fourth round with an injury, but he performed quite well in the remaining three Slams.
The Italian reached his first quarterfinal at the French Open and his maiden Grand Slam final at Wimbledon. Berrettini finished the year with another quarterfinal at the US Open. Interestingly, he lost to Novak Djokovic on all three occasions.
Berrettini's best finish at the Australian Open so far is a fourth-round showing last year, but he'll be eager to go further this time. The 25-year-old has the ability to raise his game on the biggest stage, and he might just go all the way in Melbourne.
#3 Alexander Zverev
Alexander Zverev has been one of the most consistent performers on the ATP tour over the last few years and is definitely a contender at the 2022 Australian Open.
While he has found plenty of success in other tour events, Grand Slam glory has eluded him for quite some time now.
He reached his first Grand Slam semifinal at the Australian Open in 2020. Zverev went a step further and reached his maiden Grand Slam final at the US Open later that year, losing to Dominic Thiem.
He performed quite well at all four Slams last year as well. Zverev reached the semifinals at Roland Garros and the US Open, the quarterfinals at the Australian Open and the fourth round at Wimbledon.
The German has been playing quite well over the last few months, especially on hardcourts. He hasn't lost before the quarterfinals of any tournament following Wimbledon and won four titles during that period, including the ATP Finals. Zverev competed in the 2022 ATP Cup as well, winning two of his three matches.
The 24-year-old has all the tools to succeed and it's only a matter of time before he's crowned a Grand Slam champion.
#2 Daniil Medvedev
After two runner-up finishes, Daniil Medvedev won his first Grand Slam title at the 2021 US Open. His victory also denied Novak Djokovic a Calendar Grand Slam.
The Russian will be eyeing a second consecutive Grand Slam title at the 2022 Australian Open, where he's one of the favorites to win. Given his overall achievements over the last couple of years, Medvedev is the leading contender to dominate the tennis landscape in the post "Big 3" era.
He ended the 2021 season by reaching the finals at the Paris Masters and the ATP Finals, losing to Djokovic and Zverev respectively. He was also instrumental in Russia winning the Davis Cup.
Medvedev began his 2022 season with a surprise loss to Ugo Humbert in the ATP Cup, but won his remaining singles matches convincingly. The World No. 2 has elevated his game considerably in recent years and has what it takes to be crowned champion at this year's Australian Open.
#1 Novak Djokovic
Considering Novak Djokovic the leading contender to win the Australian Open shouldn't be surprising, yet it seems to be given the circumstances. He's currently embroiled in a controversy regarding his visa, which could affect his participation in the season's first Grand Slam.
But assuming he's allowed to play, Djokovic is obviously the favorite to win the title. He's the three-time defending champion and is essentially the king of Rod Laver Arena. If he's in the Australian Open draw, then the Serb is the man to beat.
There's a lot on the line for Djokovic over the next couple of weeks, if he plays. He's aiming to become the first male player to win 21 Grand Slam titles, which will end the tie between himself, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. He's also trying to win a record-extending 10th crown in this tournament.
But at the moment Djokovic's participation remains uncertain, with the tennis community eagerly waiting for the issue to be sorted out.
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