AO - Men’s Singles preview

Novak Djokovic has won 10 Australian Opens, and no one else in this year’s main draw, apart from Stan Wawrinka, can claim to have won any.

And yet the challenge for Djokovic is probably more difficult than it has ever been.

Not because of the much discussed wrist issue, something more than likely over hyped for media pleasure, but for the rising capabilities of the new generation - especially Carlos Alcaraz, absent in Melbourne last year, but the spoiler of Djokovic’s Grand Slam hopes with 2023 Wimbledon glory.

I expect Djokovic (1) to be a semi finalist again, together with Alcaraz (2) and the other top seeds Daniil Medvedev (3) and Jannik Sinner (4).

Grigor Dimitrov (13), winner in Brisbane, will offer Medvedev resistance in a possible round of sixteen clash, and Casper Ruud (11), whose early form from the United Cup was resounding, could be a threat to Alcaraz in a quarter final.

Although Ruud’s seeding would need him to first prevail over sixth seed Alexander Zverev in the round of sixteen.

A replay of last year’s final, if both Tsitsipas (7) and Djokovic won their early matches would come in  a quarter final this year, so farewell Stefanos at that point and a loss of several ranking points.

Australia is banking on Alex de Minaur as its one main hope in singles this year, and based on his United Cup exploits, he should expect a good run.

However, in his likely path is Andrey Rublev (5) in the round of sixteen.

Rublev is also in fine form, having just captured the Brisbane International title.

If successful in hurdling Rublev, Alexander would probably need to knock over Jannik Sinner (4) in a quarter final which I believe is a bridge too far.

Holger Rune (8) is another of the fresh young talent, but he is maybe a year away yet from Grand Slam winning discussion.

Medvedev and Alcaraz lay in his part of the draw.

So my selection for semi finalists is rather boring:

Novak Djokovic (1) v Jannik Sinner (4)

Daniil Medvedev (3) v Carlos Alcaraz (2)

If Sinner can push his best of three sets form that he displayed against Djokovic at the end of 2023 into best of five sets over a fortnight, he could dethrone the king.

Alcaraz will probably be too strong in too many areas for Medvedev.

I think Alcaraz will defeat Sinner in the final.