The year 2022 has certainly been an eventful one for tennis fans across the world. With the emergence of Carlos Alcaraz, winning his first title at the US Open and the old guard in Rafael Nadal (Australian Open and French Open) and Novak Djokovic (Wimbledon) sweeping the other slams, tennis is set for an exciting start to the new year.
With the first Grand Slam of the year fast approaching, LagateRaho.com takes a look at the chances of the top seeds of the men’s tournament as well as some outside candidates:
- Novak Djokovic (ATP #5)
With the record-breaking nine-time winner looking in fine form, Novak Djokovic will be hungry to make it 10, especially after his controversial ban for last year’s tournament. Yet, we don’t expect the 21-time slam champion to have it easy this time out. The young guns Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Holger Rune, Casper Ruud, Auger-Aliassime, Jannik Sinner and Andrey Rublev to challenge.
Verdict: Serious contender
- Carlos Alcaraz (ATP #1)
Sweet victory in the final slam of the year helped the talented Spaniard sign out from 2022 in style. The 19-year old has a powerful all-court game, grit and mental strength to challenge the likes of Novak Djokovic.
Verdict: Serious contender
- Rafael Nadal (ATP #2)
The year 2022 has been a crazy one to say the least for Rafa. From doing the impossible at last year’s Australian Open by coming back from two sets down, winning the French Open for the 14th time to having to retire from the Wimbledon semi-finals due to injury. It’s been a year of ups, but also one in which his physical fitness has been called into question from time-to-time. With Novak and Alcaraz in the mix, Rafa might find his heavy duty tennis hard to sustain at this years tournament.
Verdict: Unlikely contender
- Stefanos Tsitsipas (ATP #4)
The Greek talent has not enjoyed a great 2022, having made relatively early exits at Wimbledon and Roland Garros, and a shock 1st round defeat at the US Open. His record at the Australian Open may be the silver lining for Tsitsipas, having made the semifinals on his last three visits.
Verdict: Pretender
- Casper Ruud (ATP #3)
The Norwegian’s all-court game certainly makes us believe in his chances of going deep into the 2nd week of the tournament. An impressive 2022, where Ruud picked up 3 titles, was capped off with a run to the US Open finals and the Nitto ATP finals.
Verdict: Outside contender
- Daniil Medvedev (ATP #7)
The lanky Russian certainly enjoys the fast, low-bouncing courts down in Melbourne, having made the finals in each of his last two appearances. Who can forget the Russian squandering a two-set lead to let eventual champion Nadal steal the 2022 title away. Will the Russian be able to overcome his current inconsistencies and fight for this year’s title? We’re not so sure he will.
Verdict: Outside contender
- Felix Auger-Aliassime (ATP #6)
In 2022, the affable Canadian experienced a breakout year, claiming 4 titles on indoor hardcourts. His powerful serve and overall hard court game should help him go far in 2023’s Australian Open.
Verdict: Dark horse contender
Who do you think will triumph in this year’s tournament? Tell us in the comments!