Novak Djokovic will not be competing at this year’s US Open in New York, the Serbian has confirmed. While it is a shame to miss out on seeing one of the best players in the world in action, it opens up the Grand Slam for plenty of hopefuls as well as vastly experienced players like Rafael Nadal.
Djokovic is a 21-time Grand Slam champion and three of his titles have come at Flushing Meadows, the last of which was in 2018. This latest setback on the biggest stage follows the drama at the Australian Open at the start of the year where he was deported due to not having a Covid-19 vaccination.
The United States still has strict measures for incoming visitors. They can not enter the country if they are not vaccinated against Covid and this it once again scuppered Djokovic’s plans to try and equal the Grand Slam titles record set by Nadal.
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The 35-year-old’s absence will be duly noted by all the competing participants who will see this as a great opportunity to claim one of the biggest pieces of silverware in the calendar. We have decided to take a look at Betfred’s men’s singles US Open markets to see who are the favourites at this year’s tournament.
Daniil Medvedev - 5/2
The world number one has faced his own setbacks this year. Due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, he, his compatriots and Belarusians were banned from competing at Wimbledon, so this will be his first Grand Slam appearance since the French Open in May. But as the reigning champion in New York, it is no surprise to see him listed as the bookies’ favourite.
Rafael Nadal - 4/1
It is difficult to bet against this seasoned veteran at the minute after an amazing season so far. Nadal rolled back the years in January when he defeated Medvedev in the Australian Open final to become the sole record-holder for most Grand Slam titles. He then extended that record months later at his favourite arena, the French Open. He may have had to pull out of the Wimbledon semi-finals through injury a few weeks ago, but we are still expecting more Nadal magic in the Big Apple.
Carlos Alcaraz - 5/1
This young Spanish prodigy has certainly caught the attention of the world this season. At 19 years of age, he has already claimed his first Masters 1000 titles in Miami and Madrid this year, where he defeated experienced pros Casper Ruud and Alexander Zverev respectively. People think it won’t be long before the youngster makes an impact on the Grand Slam circuit.
Nick Kyrgios - 9/1
Following the Australian reaching his first career Grand Slam final at WImbledon last month, it has certainly made him hungry for more. He continued his fine form by winning both the singles and doubles titles in Washington at the Citi Open, ending a ATP title drought of three years. Many will expect him to have another chance at Grand Slam glory in New York.
Stefanos Tsitsipas - 14/1
The Greek star is yet to taste Grand Slam glory on the pro circuit and he has never gone further than the third round at Flushing Meadows in the past. But he will be boosted by the fact that he reached his first Grand Slam final at last year's French Open, while also reaching the semi-finals of this year's Australian Open.
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject To Change
