With Novak Djokovic out of the Australian Open, opportunity knocks for Daniil Medvedev

MELBOURNE, Australia — Just about any tennis fan will attempt to convince you that an Australian Open without world No. 1 Novak Djokovic equals a far more open and unpredictable Slam.

On the surface, that line of thinking does make sense. The Serbian superstar has won the tournament a record nine times, boasts a staggering 82-6 record at Melbourne Park since 2007, and is a favorite each time he sets foot on Rod Laver Arena.

But there’s an argument to be made that the likely Australian Open victor is now clearer than it was 24 hours ago when Djokovic was still in the main draw. On early Sunday evening in Melbourne, less than 18 hours before the gates opened to the public for Day 1, Djokovic learned his Australian visa would not be reinstated and that he would have to depart the country immediately, forgoing his right to defend his Australian Open crown.

Within seconds of the highly anticipated and controversial announcement, a new outright favorite emerged in the form of world No. 2 Daniil Medvedev.

The gangly Russian burst onto the scene late in 2019 when he reached the final of the US Open, losing a heartbreaking five-set thriller to Rafael Nadal. Last year he made his first Australian Open final appearance but once again came up short, this time to a rampant Djokovic, who after the match declared “it’s only a matter of time” before Medvedev goes all the way.

Djokovic was correct. Six months later, Medvedev was a major champion after, somewhat ironically, thwarting Djokovic’s rare attempt at the calendar Slam to clinch the US Open.

“The US Open gave me more confidence in my life and in my tennis life as well,” Medvedev told the media at his pre-tournament news conference on Saturday. “Sometimes before tournaments I could be a little bit concerned if I was not playing well. [I would get] a little bit nervous and sometimes angry. But now I feel like I know…