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Ace Previews provides Australian Open Tips across select matches throughout the Australian Open. Find his full match previews, selections and betting strategies right here on the Betfair Hub.

2024 AUSTRALIAN OPEN PREVIEW - MENS

It's still a month until the Australian Open, however there is enough liquidity on the Betfair Exchange to cast an eye over a number of players to see who is the early value for the tournament.
 

NOVAK DJOKOVIC

The clear favourite for the tournament, and justifiably so. He won the tournament again in 2023, overcoming some injury issues early in the tournament to run away with what was a pretty convincing fortnight in the end. I don't anticipate Novak shortening too much more on the exchange between now and the start of January, unless there was a spate of injuries to other top names. Not going to back right now, but also not going to lay either.

CARLOS ALCARAZ

The Spaniard is going to be one of the more intriguing players when it comes to the draw and lead-up to the Austrlaian Open. This is a massive opportunity for Alcaraz, who missed the 2023 edition of the Australian Open, has no January ranking points to defend, which can make him a dangerous prospect. Based on some reporting out of Spain in the back end of September, Alcaraz had an original plan to not play any warm-up tournaments coming into the Australian Open. There is every chance this may change, however Alcaraz has the level and ability to ease his way into a best-of-5 set tournament, and will be a genuine threat for the title. I'll trade the $4.20 for a small stake, and wait to hear more about his potential path to Melbourne.
 

DANIIL MEDVEDEV

His best can match it with anyone, however his worst can leave a lot to be desired. Without an eye on the lead-in form for Medvedev, I wouldn't be backing him below $10 given the quality of this field. Will make for a difficult watch for the fortnight, given his propensity to go for broke on the second serve in many clutch moments.

JANNIK SINNER

The major advantage for Sinner this year is that he has made his way into the 4th seed at the very least, meaning he can avoid each of Alcaraz and Djokovic until at least the semi finals. There may be an element of recency bias and a couple of wins over Djokovic (round robin and Davis Cup) which have caused the drop in odds, however I will be keeping a close eye on him over the first couple of weeks of the season. The forecast may play a role here too, as he may be susceptible to extreme heat if forecast early in the tournament. VERY KEEN to monitor.

RAFAEL NADAL

It feels like a little too much to ask for Nadal to lift the trophy again in Melbourne. He is lacking time on court in a competitive sense, and the high impact of the hardcourt doesn't not work in his favour this late in his career. It feels like most of his eggs will be going into the Roland Garros basket.

ALEXANDER ZVEREV

Intriguing prospect at the odds. He looks to have been gradually returning to some form, so may be worth considering as a trading prospect. Has the tools to challenge the top names, and is in much better shape than when we saw him in Melbourne in January.
 

HOLGER RUNE
 

Just don't quite feel he has matured to the level to be able to genuinely consider him in the potential Melbourne conditions. I'd rather wait until closer to the tournament before making a call on Rune. Played an epic with Rublev this year at the AO, however his body let him down.

STEFANOS TSITSIPAS

It strangely feels as though time is starting to run out for Tsitsipas. I didn't see enough from him in the late part of 2023 to consider backing him prior to him stepping on court in 2024
 

ANDREY RUBLEV

Another who finds himself outgunned by the top names, however is worth respecting as a player likely to make the second week. The issue is, he would need Djokovic and/or Alcaraz to falter to have a significant dip in his odds. Prefer others.

EARLY BETTING

Betting Strategy

Alcaraz has the level and ability to ease his way into a best-of-5 set tournament, and will be a genuine threat for the title. I'll trade the $4.20 for a small stake, and wait to hear more about his potential path to Melbourne.

BACK: (WIN) Carlos Alcaraz 

Zverev looks to have been gradually returning to some form, so may be worth considering as a trading prospect. Has the tools to challenge the top names, and is in much better shape than when we saw him in Melbourne last January.

BACK: (TO TRADE) Alexander Zverev 

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