By Richard Pagliaro
Novak Djokovic's disqualification from the US Open fourth round creates open opportunity at the US Open.
The Big 3—Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal—have combined to capture 13 consecutive Grand Slam championships. The world No. 1's stunning default after accidentally striking a lineswoman with a ball means we will see a maiden major champion for the first time since Marin Cilic won the 2014 US Open.
More: Djokovic Defaulted From US Open
Bookmakers and bettors back 2019 US Open finalist Daniil Medvedev as the man to beat.
Oddschecker lists the third-seeded Russian, who plays Frances Tiafoe in tonight's fourth-round clash, as a 2/1 favorite to claim his first major crown on Sunday. Since Djokovic's departure yesterday, 24 percent of all wagers have been on Medvedev to win the US Open, Oddschecker reports.
Alexander Zverev, working with new coach David Ferrer, is 4/1 to win the Open, followed by second-seeded Dominic Thiem (9/2), Denis Shapovalov (10/1) and 2019 semifinalist Matteo Berrettini at 12/1.
Interestingly, bettors are backing rising Canadian star Felix Auger-Aliassime as the man they believe will rule Flushing Meadows. The 20-year-old Canadian, who faces Thiem in today's fourth-rounder on Arthur Ashe Stadium, has generated 19 percent of all US Open wagers on him to win.
"It will be no surprise to many to see that previous second-favorite Daniil Medvedev has been elevated to favorite, with his current odds of +190 indicative of a 34.48% chance of winning," Oddschecker's Pete Watt says. "Bettors have fallen in line with oddsmakers’ here and he is the most-backed player to win since last night.
"However, the second most popular player is more of a surprise; Felix Auger Aliassime, who knocked Andy Murray out in the second round and has dropped just one set all tournament, has clearly done enough to convince bettors and have accrued 19% of bets. This is despite the fact that his odds of +1400 are demonstrative of just a 6.67% chance of winning.
"Second and third favorites Zverev and Thiem are neck and neck in terms of popularity with gamblers, and it seems that the rest of the field have been largely disregarded as potential winners."
Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve