Welcome to the 2021 Australian Open! The men’s field will be tough to predict due to the number of Grand Slam winners and break out stars that make up the draw. We have the Old Guard led by Nadal and Djokovic, who are still favorites. However, we now have real contenders in the form of Medvedev and Thiem. Additionally, big time tennis is being played by the likes of Zverev and Tsitsipas. Add to that younger players like Rublev and Sinner, and the stage is set for a very interesting and exciting Australian Open. Let’s take a look at the top seeds and other top favorites that could make some noise.

5. Stefanos Tsitsipas

Although Tsitsipas is a monster on the tennis court, I don’t believe he can win this tournament. The field is too tough for him to go through multiple matches having to beat players like Medvedev, Nadal or Djokovic. He won’t be a top seed either, and the draw will have to open up for him to make a run to the semis. That being said, he still has the potential to get to the semifinals. However, that’s as far as he will go.

4. Daniil Medvedev

Medvedev is the best hard-court player behind Novak Djokovic. He is the defending champion of the ATP Finals, and you can count on him to make a deep run at this year’s Australian Open. Can he win it all? The answer is yes. However, Djokovic looms in the draw, and as we know Djokovic is the King of the Australian Open. Medvedev will have to deal with Djokovic in either the semifinal or the final. Will he be up to the task of dethroning the best hard-court player of all time? Look for Medvedev in the final.

3. Dominic Thiem

Thiem is still experiencing the honeymoon of winning the US Open in September. His best result since then was a nice run to the final of the ATP Finals, where he was beaten by an inspired Medvedev. Remember, this was the same Medvedev whom he had easily beaten in the semis of the US Open a couple of months before. That result makes him the third best hard-court player in the world right now. Expect Thiem in the semis, but no further than that.

2. Rafa Nadal

As much as I would love to see Nadal win this tournament, I predict that Nadal will go home in the quarterfinals. The hard courts of Australia will be tough to overcome with players like Thiem, Medvedev, Djokovic and even Zverev lurking in the draw. A quarterfinal appearance will not be too bad for Nadal as he prepares for his French Open title defense.

1. Novak Djokovic

What can I say about Novak Djokovic other than the fact that he is the King of the Australian Open? Nobody has won more Australian Open’s than Djokovic. His eight titles are the most in the open era, and he’s not done yet. It will take a monumental effort to take Djokovic down in five sets down under. In my opinion, the only man who could possibly take him down is Daniil Medvedev. I don’t see that happening though. Novak will claim his ninth Australian Open, and 18th Grand Slam overall.

Dark Horses: Nick Kyrgios and Jannik Sinner

Although Nick has not played in a year, he seems to be mentally focused and dedicated to his game. Also, let’s not forget he has the best serve in men’s tennis. If anyone is to beat him, they will need to do it in a tie break. I would hate to be a top seed and having to play Nick Kyrgios in an early round.

Jannik Sinner is another extremely dangerous player who will be looking to terrorize a quarter of the draw. He’ll also be unseeded and has the ability to take any top seed to task. His results in the last four months include his first ATP title and a nice run to the quarterfinals of the French Open.

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