Novak Djokovic is looking to claim his record-extending 10th title in the 2023 Australian Open. The Serb couldn’t defend his title last year despite not playing a single minute on the court, but much has changed over the past 12 months.
And now, after winning the Adelaide International, he is one of the early favorites in the Australian Open 2023 odds.
Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal got a morale-boosting victory in the first round against a less-heralded counterpart, while a young Asian standout made headlines and another star announced his withdrawal due to injury.
We’re just getting started here in Melbourne, so continue to read on below as SBOTOP brings to you the newest Australian Open 2023 updates.
Djokovic aims to redeem himself in Melbourne
A huge opportunity awaits Novak Djokovic in Melbourne. Should he win it all, he’ll draw even with Rafael Nadal for the most Grand Slams in men’s tennis history. But more importantly, this is his chance to win back fans.
Djokovic’s ignominious deportation last year was one of the biggest moments of the 2022 season. At the time, it seemed unthinkable that a player of his stature would be banned from playing. But the Australian government had strict rules regarding unvaccinated individuals that prevented him from defending his Grand Slam.
The Serb eventually redeemed himself by winning his seventh Wimbledon trophy and sixth ATP Finals title. And fast forward to today, he’s arguably the most in-form player heading into Melbourne.
His victory against Sebastian Korda in the Adelaide International final last week was his 34th consecutive win in Australia, with the run stretching back five years, and it is also his 92nd tour-level title.
He will start his Australian Open campaign against Roberto Carballes Baena for their second meeting ever. Djokovic defeated Carballes Baena in their first encounter convincingly in the first round of the 2019 US Open, 6-4, 6-1, 6-4.
Nadal pass first test in title defence
Rafael Nadal’s pursuit of his 23rd Grand Slam is on after a 7-5, 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 opening victory against Jack Draper on Monday in Rod Laver Arena. It was an unconvincing outing for the 22-time Grand Slam titlist, but he still got the job done against his much younger counterpart.
“I needed a victory, so that’s the main thing. So satisfied with the victory because that gives me the chance to play after tomorrow again,” said Nadal after the match.
Nadal, who entered this match 0-2 in 2023 and with six losses in his last seven overall, had to dig deep for this one. He seemed to be pulling away early on, but Draper levelled the set.
In the end, though, Draper was hampered by cramps because of the arid conditions, and Nadal reclaimed control for good by not dropping a single game since then.
The defending Australian Open champion will have to do better against Mackenzie McDonald, his next opponent, after he defeated fellow American Brandon Nakashima in the first round, 7-6(5), 7-6(1), 1-6, 6-7(10), 6-4.
Juncheng makes history, Kyrgios pulls out
Shang Juncheng couldn’t have wished for a better Melbourne debut, as he became the first man from an Asian country to win an Australian Open match in the Open Era. He also became the first 17-year-old to record a Grand Slam men’s singles win since Carlos Alcaraz at the 2021 Australian Open.
“After hearing this, I think it’s quite a big accomplishment. Looking up to Carlos, he’s the best player in the world right now. Just watching him play on the court really inspires me and the young players,” said Juncheng.
The Chinese teenager defeated Germany’s Oscar Otte, 6-2, 6-4, 6-7(2), 7-5 on Monday. Juncheng used his youth to his advantage, keeping his foot on the gas pedal all game long to overwhelm his older counterpart.
Juncheng will face a significantly tougher opponent next in Frances Tiafoe, who triumphed against Daniel Altmaier 6-3, 6-3, 6-7(5), 7-6(6) in the first round. The 16th seeded American is now 6-0 on the season.
Elsewhere, Nick Kyrgios was forced to withdraw from the Australian Open because he’ll need to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. The highest-ranked Australian mentioned in a press conference that his MRI scan revealed a tear and a cyst in his meniscus.
His physiotherapist, Will Maher, said that Kyrgios should be able to return to competition at Indian Wells in March.
Kyrgios is fresh from a career-best year in which he won the Australian Open doubles title with Thanasi Kokkinakis. He also almost won the 2022 Wimbledon final, ultimately losing to Novak Djokovic.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE TENNIS STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
