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Andy Murray new favorite to win 2017 Australian Open

By Harry Floyd

Sep 7, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Andy Murray of Great Britain serves to Kei Nishikori of Japan on day ten of the 2016 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Andy Murray of Great Britain serves to Kei Nishikori of Japan on day ten of the 2016 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Andy Murray is on top of the tennis world. After the best season in the Scot’s career, he is now the odds on favorite to win the 2017 Australian Open.

Andy Murray closed the gap on Novak Djokovic in more ways than one in late 2016.

After passing the Serbian tennis star for the world number 1 ranking, Murray is also now the favorite to win the first Grand Slam tournament of 2017.

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Murray has never won the Australian Open. He enters the 2017 major tournament as the favorite to win.

While Djokovic has an astounding 6 titles at Melbourne Park, Murray has all of the current momentum. The Scot will have to contend with Djokovic being the two-time defending champion at Melbourne, but the betting world now sees Murray as the favorite.

Djokovic will not be the only player that Murray will have to contend with. The first Grand Slam of the ATP World Tour season will likely also play host to the return of both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer for the major tournaments circuit.

Murray is playing the best tennis of his career.

The 29-year-old Scottish superstar took down Djokovic in straight sets to win the 2016 season-ending ATP World Tour Finals in London. Djokovic was the four-time defending champion at the season-ending tournament and Murray defeated him with ease.

The 2017 Australian Open is a test of will for Andy Murray.

The field will be deep and competitive in Melbourne.

Djokovic isn’t the only tennis star to have repeated successes at the tournament. Federer also lays claim to 4 titles at the Australian Open. Murray, now considered among the “Big Four” will be looking to separate himself from the traditional favorites in Australia.

Andy Murray is not only playing for his first ever Australian Open title, but he is also fighting to defend his number 1 ranking. That much will be true about the majority of his early 2017 tournaments. January is a test of will for the Scottish tennis player.

Next: Djokovic-Murray 2016 Matches: RANKED

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