Djokovic, Federer, Serena Remain Favorites to Win Opening Grand Slam
MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer loom over Melbourne Park for the year's opening Grand Slam as favorites for the Australian Open as questions remain as to whether one of Generation Next could finally end their stranglehold.
The Serbian world number one and his Swiss opponent have won eight of the nine titles on Rod Laver Arena since 2010 and 11 of the last 13 on the bright blue courts in central Melbourne.
Both have six titles each, and are seeking to break a three-way tie for the most victories with Australia's Roy Emerson.
While Federer has won the tournament for the last two years, Djokovic's history in Australia and rediscovery of his form last year means the world number one will be the man to beat.
The 31-year-old went into a bewildering slump in mid-2016 that only ended when he won Wimbledon last year before he went on to claim his third U.S. Open crown and move to 14 Grand Slam titles, three behind Rafa Nadal.
The Serbian world number one and his Swiss opponent have won eight of the nine titles on Rod Laver Arena since 2010 and 11 of the last 13 on the bright blue courts in central Melbourne.
Both have six titles each, and are seeking to break a three-way tie for the most victories with Australia's Roy Emerson.
While Federer has won the tournament for the last two years, Djokovic's history in Australia and rediscovery of his form last year means the world number one will be the man to beat.
The 31-year-old went into a bewildering slump in mid-2016 that only ended when he won Wimbledon last year before he went on to claim his third U.S. Open crown and move to 14 Grand Slam titles, three behind Rafa Nadal.