All over the world, the big news is whether Djokovic will be allowed to play the Australian Open. Right now, it doesn’t look very likely.

He’s been sent home and it’s not clear whether there is another type of visa that can allow him to go back to Australia and compete. In his absence, Rafa Nadal is the only one of the Big 3 that will be competing in Australia. He’ll be seeded 5th and will be coming off a six-month layoff.

Here are our predictions for the Men’s top 8 seeds of the Australian Open starting on January 17th:

8. Hubert Hurkacz

Hurkacz has been very consistent in the last 12 months. However, I think he’s playing at his potential. There’s too much talent in the top 20 for Hurkacz to be able to make a run at a slam. He will either go down in the fourth round or the quarters.

7. Casper Ruud

Ruud has been a picture of consistency in the last few months, rising in the rankings and capturing a few titles along the way. He is a very dangerous player lurking in the draw and is poised to continue rising. He’s motivated and talented. A nice run is in the cards.

6. Rafa Nadal

Nadal has the experience and is a past champion. If he can get through some early rounds at the Australian Open, he has a chance. The Australian crowds will be cheering him on. That may just be enough for him to reach the final here. In the final, it would be a toss-up.

5. Matteo Berrettini

The Italian is a beast. He’s got a massive game that can blow anyone off the court. It can get physical down under though, and I sometimes wonder if Matteo’s fitness will hold up. I like Matteo at Wimbledon, but in Australia, it will be tough for him.

4. Andrey Rublev

Rublev seems to beat everyone below his ranking but has trouble beating people above his ranking. With his seeding, he’ll have a shot at making the semifinals of a Grand Slam. I see Rublev at least in the quarterfinals and possibly the semis.

3. Stefanos Tsitsipas

Tsitsipas is battling fitness and is not playing well heading into the Australian Open. Can he right the ship? With the amount of fit talent at the Australian Open, it will be tough for him. Expect Tsitsipas to lose early.

2. Alexander Zverev

Zverev is due for a Grand Slam. He will make the final. He’ll meet Medvedev in said Final. He will beat Medvedev in that Final.

1. Daniil Medvedev

Medvedev will make a finals appearance only to lose to Alexander Zverev, thereby establishing one of the most interesting rivalries for years to come.

Like always, don’t forget to jump on to the TennisPAL app to stay up to date on tennis news, find groups of friends to play with, and get a virtual coach to help with your tennis game.