After Novak Djokovic’s Early Exit, Who is the favorite to win the Australian Open

On Day 4 of the  Australian   Open , we witnessed one of the greatest upset in Australian Open in recent times when World No 2 and Defending Champion Novak Djokovic lost a five set thriller against World No 117 Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan in the 2^nd round  in  4 hours and 48 minutes.

It was so disbelieving to see Novak Djokovic ,who was one of the overwhelming favorite to win his 7^th Australian Open losing so early in the tournament, but Istomin played one of his best tennis to beat Novak and stunned the tennis world. Istomin ranked 117 in this year Australian Open won the first set in 85 minutes and also had Novak in trouble IN 2^nd set where Djokovic just hanged around and won the set 7-5.But he matched Djokovic with series of aggressive hitting from baseline and served brilliantly especially in fourth and fifth set and won important at crucial stages to cause such a great upset. So After Novak Djokovic’s Early Exit, Who is the favorite to win the  Australian  Open?

With Djokovic’s defeat so early,  World  No 1 Andy Murray becomes one of the favorite to win the Australian Open this year. He has shown amazing form so far in early rounds and may not have much problems till Quarter Finals where he might face either Roger Federer or Kei Nishikori.  Murray has the experience and is playing well since last year which saw him winning the Olympic gold and becoming World No 1 for the first time. It will be interesting how he counters the tough moments and win his first Australian Open after being runner up 5 times.

Stan Wawrinka had a very tough first round match against Martin Klizan where he prevailed in five sets after being a break down in the fifth set.  He then dispatched Steve Johnson in straight sets. Stan the reputation he can win the tournament for the second. Wawrinka , who had won the tournament in 2014,has the experience and has become mentally stronger which has made him win three  Grand slams. He has the serve and strong ground strokes and one of the best single handed  backhand which has troubled the big 4 in the past.

Rafael Nadal has started this tournament strongly and has looked brilliant in both the rounds so far. From third round it gets tough for Nadal when he faces Alexander Zverev of Germany. If he prevails he might face Monfils in the fourth round and then face Milos Raonic in the Quarter Final. Perhaps Rafael Nadal  has the toughest draw and many people might write him off especially if he faces Milos Raonic. But if Nadal stays fit and plays the game that has won him 14 grand slams  , he can overcome all the odds and win the Australian Open.

Other players that you can cause serious bet to win after Djokovic’s exit are Milos Raonic , Roger Federer, Kei Nishikori.   Let us see who wins the tournament this year.