Australian Open 2022: 5 favorites to win the men's singles title ft. Daniil Medvedev and Rafael Nadal
With the 2022 Australian Open set to begin in a few days' time, excitement levels are spiking. On the men's side, the field has always been dominated by three players, namely Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
But the next generation of contenders have raised their level and are challenging the trio's dominance. Daniil Medvedev and Dominic Thiem have already succeeded by winning the US Open, though the latter won't be competing in Melbourne this time around.
Federer is also recovering from surgery, while Djokovic's participation remains uncertain. The field might seem open, yet there are five clear favorites to win the Australian Open.
#5 Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal made a successful comeback to the circuit that culminated in the Spaniard winning his 89th career title at the 2022 Melbourne Summer Set. He hadn't played in a professional tournament since August due to a foot injury and had just recovered from COVID-19 in December.
Nadal will now have his sights set on a second Australian Open title and first since 2009.
Title No.89! 
🏆 Title No.89! 🏆
Successful comeback for Rafael Nadal who claims Melbourne title at the expense of Maxime Cressy 7-6 6-3. VAMOS!
(📸 @rnadalacademy) https://t.co/FM38hwlPqm
He didn't face any top players en route to his latest title, so it's tough to gauge what his level will be against quality opposition. But the former World No. 1 has made plenty of successful comebacks in the past, so it's unwise to count a man of his experience out just yet.
#4 Matteo Berrettini
Matteo Berrettini had a career-best season in 2021, especially at the Grand Slams. His Australian Open campaign ended in disappointment after he withdrew in the fourth round with an injury, but he performed quite well in the remaining three Slams.
The Italian reached his first quarterfinal at the French Open and his maiden Grand Slam final at Wimbledon. Berrettini finished the year with another quarterfinal at the US Open. Interestingly, he lost to Novak Djokovic on all three occasions.
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Berrettini stormed into his maiden Grand Slam final with a four-set victory in two hours and 37 minutes over Hubert Hurkacz of Poland, the man who defeated Roger Federer on the grass-court tournament.
He becomes the first player from Italy to reach the Wimbledon final. https://t.co/jT35r3Zsz6
Berrettini's best finish at the Australian Open so far is a fourth-round showing last year, but he'll be eager to go further this time. The 25-year-old has the ability to raise his game on the biggest stage, and he might just go all the way in Melbourne.