Novak Djokovic: clear favorite to win 2017 Australian Open

Novak Djokovic must be considered the favorite to win the 2017 Australia Open for men’s singles. The world number 2 has a storied history in Melbourne.

Novak Djokovic is no stranger to Melbourne Park. The Serbian tennis star has won 6 titles in men’s singles at the Australian Open. He has won all 6 of those titles within the previous 9 seasons.

All signs point to Melbourne being the place where Djokovic can reclaim the world number 1 ranking recently taken by Andy Murray. His career successes at the major tournament place Djokovic on a level above the rest of the competition. Half of his 12 career Grand Slam singles titles have come at the Australian Open.

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During the Serbian’s reign at Melbourne, only 3 other players have claimed a men’s singles title. Those 3 players are Roger Federer, Stan Wawrinka, and Rafael Nadal. There is no doubt that Djokovic is the clear cut favorite in 2017’s first major tournament.

He will be contending with the likes of his rival and friend Murray, along with young and rising stars such as Australian Nick Kyrgios. The odds all favor Djokovic.

Not only does he have a fantastic history at Melbourne Park, he also has a lot to play for in 2017. His straight set loss to Murray at the 2016 ATP World Tour Finals in London is a wakeup call. Next season is a chance for Djokovic to cement his legacy as one of the greatest to ever play the sport.

Having now earned the career Grand Slam in 2016 with his title at the French Open, the Serbian tennis star is set to pull away from the competition. His dominance at the Australian Open over the course of his career is a testament to his talent. Murray, on the other hand, is a 5-time runner up at the tournament. 4 of those 5 second place finishes came at the hands of Djokovic.

Novak Djokovic must be considered the favorite to win the men’s singles title at the 2017 Australian Open.

A win in January would make the Serbian the most decorated men’s singles player at the major tournament. Despite his humble recognition of Murray’s terrific 2016 season, Djokovic will be gunning to make a run at the ATP’s top ranking in early 2017. Australia is the place for the Serbian to make his move.

The first Grand Slam of the 2017 season will be critical in both men’s and women’s tennis. Djokovic highlights a star-studded field that enters the January major tournament. Hopes are for the tennis world to see the likes of Federer and Nadal back and playing at the top of their in time for the tournament. No matter who enters the field at the 2017 Australian Open, Djokovic remains the player to beat in men’s singles.

Next: Top 5 Matches 2016: Djokovic-Murray

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