2021 Australian Open Final Preview: Novak or Medvedev??

This is probably one of the most anticipated grand slam finals since the 2008 Wimbledon Final, when Rafa upset the King of Grass, Roger. Novak Djokovic versus Daniil Medvedev, the battle between a GOAT and a possible future GOAT (right?). Both of these players have the utmost respect for each other and they both know what they are getting into.

“Daniil Medvedev is the player to beat... He’s on a big winning streak. He ended out the [2020] season in the best possible fashion, winning quite comfortably against the top players, against myself in straight sets in London, and he just has improved a lot. He has a big serve. For a tall guy, he moves extremely well. Forehand maybe was his weaker shot, but he has improved that, as well. Backhand is as good as it gets. He’s so solid. He doesn’t give you much. He’s not afraid nowadays to attack and get to the net and take it to his opponents. He’s definitely a very smart tennis player.” - Novak Djokovic

"You never know how the match is going to go. To win a Slam, especially against somebody like Novak, is already a big motivation, and I don’t think there’s anything that can make it bigger. I like Novak. I appreciate him as a tennis player. So I don’t take these words as something negative. I’m quite motivated without those words. I have nothing to lose, to be honest." - Daniil Medvedev

Betting Odds

Ok... if you are a betting man or woman, this is an interesting one to pick. On paper, Novak is the clear favorite but to be quite honest, it could go either which way. William Hill Sportsbook lists Djokovic as a -118 favorite in the latest Djokovic vs. Medvedev odds, while Medvedev is a +100 underdog. There are a variety of other Medvedev vs. Djokovic props available like total games, with the over-under set at 39.5. - CBS

According to UTR, Universal Tennis Rating, they have Medvedev being the favorite of the match with a 60% chance of winning. This is purely based on their performance on the court against other players on tour but do what you will with this information.

My Pick

Daniil Medvedev in four sets. I just want to see someone else win. And Daniil really deserves it.