Expert picks: Who will win the 2024 Australian Open?

Expert predictions: Who will emerge victorious in the 2024 Australian Open? Can Novak Djokovic solidify his historic status with a 25th Grand Slam title? Alternatively, will Jannik Sinner secure his first major win?

Additionally, could Ons Jabeur, a three-time Grand Slam finalist, clinch the championship? Or will Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina, or defending champion Aryna Sabalenka claim the title?

As the Australian Open commences, our experts provide their insights.

Who do you believe will win the men's singles title and why?

Pam Shriver: It's hard not to choose the player who has won 10 Australian Opens and came close to a Grand Slam sweep last year. Djokovic is the favorite, but Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Holger Rune are waiting if his performance falters.

Rennae Stubbs: Djokovic is the favorite once again. No one excels in majors like Djokovic, especially in Melbourne. His record here is unparalleled, and he will likely claim the trophy over five sets.

Patrick McEnroe: It's Sinner's time. He finished strong in 2023 and is poised to take the next step.

Brad Gilbert: If anyone other than Djokovic wins, I'd pick Sinner. He looks well-prepared and has the potential to secure a Slam this year. However, witnessing someone beat Djokovic on Centre Court is necessary to believe he can be defeated.

Jarryd Barca: In 2024, it's Sinner's time. The 22-year-old seems ready to win his maiden Australian Open after a stellar 2023 season, including ATP titles in Toronto, Beijing, and Vienna, as well as defeating Djokovic during Italy's Davis Cup triumph in November.

Bill Connelly: While 2024 might be a breakthrough year for Sinner, Djokovic remains the favorite. With 28 consecutive Australian Open victories and minimal defeats in best-of-five matches since 2019, Djokovic sets the standard.

Tom Hamilton: Without wanting to be too predictable, Djokovic is the likely winner. With the chance to achieve a calendar-year Grand Slam, Djokovic will face tough competition from Sinner and Alcaraz, but he will start 2024 with his 25th Slam.

D'Arcy Maine: It seems foolish to pick anyone other than Djokovic at this point. As the defending champion with ten Australian Open titles, Djokovic aims for the Golden Slam, starting in Melbourne. While there are other talented players, beating Djokovic in one of his favorite tournaments appears unlikely.

Jake Michaels: Djokovic. It might sound predictable, but Djokovic has dominated the first Slam of the year, winning the trophy 10 times and boasting a 95% win rate at Melbourne Park since 2008. With the chance to surpass Margaret Court for major singles titles, Djokovic is expected to secure victory.

Matt Walsh: It feels like time for a change, but Djokovic remains the favorite. Sinner had an impressive 2023 season and could be a contender, but Djokovic's dominance and pursuit of major records make him the frontrunner.

Which men's player outside of the top 10 could surprise?

Pam Shriver: Keep an eye on a group of Americans – Sebastian Korda, Frances Tiafoe, Ben Shelton, Taylor Fritz, and last year's semifinalist Tommy Paul. They could make a strong push, and one might even become a surprise winner.

Rennae Stubbs: Karen Khachanov has performed well in the past and could be a surprising contender once again.

Patrick McEnroe: Grigor Dimitrov is one to watch. He could reach at least the final eight, possibly going even further.

Brad Gilbert: My underdog pick is Jack Draper. He has a powerful lefty serve, and if he stays healthy, he could have a significant year.

Jarryd Barca: Dimitrov has started the year impressively, winning the Brisbane International, and his undefeated run in Paris showcased his excellent form.

Bill Connelly: Dimitrov is a strong choice, but Taylor Fritz's draw looks favorable. He has a solid chance of reaching at least the quarterfinals.

Tom Hamilton: While Dimitrov is rightfully highlighted, keep an eye on Jack Draper, who has been playing brilliantly and reached the Adelaide Open final.

These predictions provide insights into the potential winners and dark horses for the 2024 Australian Open.

Maine: Drawing inspiration from Serena and Venus Williams, I'll select their preferred player on the ATP Tour: Dimitrov. Before the season, Dimitrov hadn't secured a title since 2017, but he made a significant impact in 2024 by winning the trophy in Brisbane with an impressive performance. Dimitrov enters the Australian Open with renewed confidence and self-belief, having reached the semifinals in Melbourne in 2017. As the No. 13 seed, Dimitrov faces a favorable path to the second week, with a potential fourth-round clash against Medvedev, whom Dimitrov defeated in Paris in November, and a potential quarterfinal rematch with Rune.

Michaels: Khachanov impressed by reaching the semifinals in Melbourne last year and followed it up with a quarterfinal run at the French Open, entering the men's top 10. Despite missing Wimbledon due to a spinal stress fracture and experiencing a first-round loss at the US Open, he is currently ranked 15th globally. If he remains healthy, Khachanov has the capability to compete with players above him. Anticipate seeing him make another deep run in a major.

Walsh: Previously, I would have readily chosen Shelton due to his captivating story and energy at Melbourne Park last year, where he played exceptional tennis on the way to an unlikely semifinal. However, his form in Brisbane and Auckland to start the season has been somewhat lackluster. As the world No. 15, Shelton possesses the skills to compete with the best globally and has shown affinity for Melbourne courts. Perhaps he can recapture the form that made a significant impact in 2023.

Who will win the women's singles title and why?

Shriver: Swiatek appears poised to secure the third leg of her career Grand Slam in Melbourne. Since temporarily losing the No. 1 ranking last year, Swiatek has relaxed, worked on game tweaks, and maintains the most feared forehand in women's tennis.

Stubbs: My choice is Swiatek. Although numerous players could be contenders, Swiatek seems ready to clinch victory in Melbourne.

McEnroe: Swiatek is the standout. She is growing more comfortable at the top, and her athleticism is exceptional.

Barca: Last year's runner-up and world No. 3 Rybakina has already displayed dominance by defeating last year's winner Sabalenka in straight sets in the Brisbane International final. Her impressive run through the tournament, dropping only 15 games in five matches, showcases her true dominance. Despite a challenging opening-round against former world No. 1 Karolina Pliskova, Rybakina's form from the 2023 season and her confidence make her a strong contender.

Connelly: Although the field presents many potential winners, Rybakina's strong start in 2024 is noteworthy. Despite Swiatek facing a challenging draw, I trust her more than any other top player. Thus, I'll pick her in every Slam.

Hamilton: Rybakina and Sabalenka are strong contenders, but I'm favoring Swiatek to start 2024 with her fifth Slam title. She has a 16-match winning streak, triumphing at the end-of-season WTA Finals and the United Cup. Despite a tough draw, Swiatek is building solid form and is my choice to win her first Melbourne title.

Maine: This question has been challenging, considering the tough draws for top players and intense opening-round matches. For now, I'll choose Rybakina. The 2022 Wimbledon champion reached the Melbourne final last year and showed promise in 2024 by winning the Brisbane title. Her dominant performance against Sabalenka in the final, allowing Sabalenka only three games, indicates Rybakina's readiness. While facing Pliskova in the first round is a tough test, Rybakina seems to have a good chance.

Michaels: It's time for Jabeur to claim a major title. The Tunisian has consistently been in the top 10 for three years, reaching the quarterfinals at all four majors and playing in three of the last six Slam finals. Despite poor WTA Finals results, Jabeur has the potential to perform well in Melbourne.

Walsh: I'm on the Rybakina bandwagon. Her form in Australia, winning the Brisbane International against Sabalenka, has been solid. While it's a tough decision, I'll back her to go one step further in 2024.

Which women's player outside of the top 10 could surprise?

Stubbs: Zheng Qinwen has shown notable improvement over the past year, positioning herself for a significant run.

McEnroe: Keep an eye on Caroline Wozniacki; she thrives here.

Barca: I'm looking at Elina Svitolina, who returned to the tour in 2023 after giving birth. The former world No. 3 immediately showcased her quality with a title in Strasbourg last May. Svitolina has made at least a quarterfinal at each Grand Slam and, despite being drawn in Swiatek's path, her confidence is high after beating Swiatek at Wimbledon last year. Svitolina's quest for her first Grand Slam title remains open, and her achievements suggest she can make a significant impact in Melbourne.

Connelly: While Zheng has made impressive strides, my choice is Ostapenko. With her aggressive playing style, she poses a threat to any player. Her dominance over Swiatek and presence in Swiatek's quarter highlight that the 2017 French Open champion is capable of embarking on another formidable run. Ostapenko's 6-1 record in 2024 and quarterfinal appearances in the last two hard-court Slams further support her potential.

Hamilton: The women's draw is intriguing, with returning Grand Slam winners like Osaka, Kerber, and Wozniacki. Svitolina is also poised for a strong Melbourne run. However, my pick is the dynamic Ostapenko. Winning the Adelaide Open against Kasatkina and displaying fiery determination in Brisbane, Ostapenko has the potential to captivate the audience and overcome challenges in her path.

Maine: Predicting the performance of Naomi Osaka in her first major post-maternity leave is challenging. While rust and nerves may be evident, the two-time Australian Open champion possesses the winning acumen. If Osaka navigates past Caroline Garcia in the first round, a deep run into the round of 16 is plausible. A potential matchup against Gauff could test Osaka's standing among the top players.

Michaels: This prediction might be bold, but I'll take the risk and say Collins. The fiery American faces a challenging first-round match against former winner Angelique Kerber and a likely second-round encounter against world No. 1 Swiatek. If she progresses, the draw opens up significantly. Despite Swiatek's dominance in their head-to-head matchups, Collins won their Australian Open clash two years ago. Possessing power, Collins could surprise with both her skill and composure.

Walsh: The women's draw features intriguing stories, with returning names like Wozniacki, Kerber, and Osaka. Osaka's return could be captivating, and a deep run in Melbourne is possible after overcoming a challenging first-round match. Having won two Slams at the Australian Open, Osaka's familiarity with the courts makes her a compelling choice for a fairytale run.