Australian Open 2020: Top 5 contenders to win the men's singles trophy

Though there is some uncertainty surrounding the Australian Open due to the terrible bushfires, as it stands the first Grand Slam of the year is set to go ahead later this month.

This year's Australian Open is a significant one for several reasons. Novak Djokovic is looking to win a record eighth title at the tournament, Roger Federer is looking to win a record-extending 21st Grand Slam title, Rafael Nadal is looking to equal Federer's 20 Grand Slams, and the NextGen players are looking to finally break through at the Grand Slams after falling short in 2019.

We have already seen some of tennis' biggest stars battle it out this season, so we have some indication of the kind of form they are in. Now, let us take a look at the top five contenders to lift the men's singles trophy in Melbourne this year:

#5 Stefanos Tsitsipas

Also Checkout: Tennis Schedule 2020

In at number 5 is NextGen figurehead Stefanos Tsitsipas. The Greek player did reach the semifinal of last year's competition, but he has largely been unable to translate his talent to the Grand Slam level; Tsitsipas failed to progress beyond the fourth round in the other three Majors of 2019.

He did, however, win the ATP Finals at the end of the season. While some would say this means he is ready to win a Slam, one must remember that Alexander Zverev did the same in 2018 and then failed to make any meaningful impact in 2019.

All things considered, Tsitsipas being the fifth favorite seems fair. Although he is capable of beating the big players, he still seems prone to losing matches he should easily win.

Follow Sportskeeda to get the full Australian Open 2020 Schedule, Australian Open 2020 Results, latest news & updates.

#4 Daniil Medvedev

Medvedev was one of the breakout stars of 2019

In at number 4 is Russia's Daniil Medvedev. Though he doesn't boast the popularity of Stefanos Tsitsipas, he was arguably the most consistent NextGen player of 2019.

Towards the end of the season Medvedev reached six consecutive finals, including two Masters 1000s and the US Open, where he narrowly lost to Rafael Nadal.

Although Medvedev was exhausted at the ATP Finals, he played some fantastic tennis at the ATP Cup earlier this month and now looks as threatening as ever. He may have been unable to win the US Open last year, but Medvedev now has the experience of reaching the final of a Grand Slam - and that would hold him in good stead at Melbourne.

The Australian Open plays faster than the US Open, meaning that Medvedev's flat hitting style of play will be even more effective. Additionally, the Russian doesn't have the same pressure to win that NextGen players like Alexander Zverev and Tsitsipas have, so he will be able to play with less stress and more freedom.

#3 Rafael Nadal

In at number 3 is the current world number 1, Rafael Nadal. Though it may seem strange to place the top-ranked player at number 3, when one takes into account Nadal's recent record against Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic on hardcourts, it seems fair.

Nadal has failed to defeat either player outside clay in over five years, and that doesn't look as though it will change any time soon. Although the Spaniard won the US Open last year, which is also played on hardcourt, the draw opening up meant he played just one player in the top 15.

Unless Nadal gets the same kind of draw at the Australian Open, it seems unlikely that he will win the title. Furthermore, he looked far from his best at the ATP Cup, losing to both David Goffin and Djokovic in straight sets.

Due to Nadal's grinding style, if his fitness levels aren't at 100%, he is in big trouble. Nevertheless, as one of the greatest players ever and the current world number 1, he always has a chance to win and therefore sits as the third favorite.

#2 Roger Federer

Federer has won 2 of the last 3 Australian Open titles

Roger Federer is widely considered the greatest tennis player of all time. Even at 38 years of age he is still ranked No. 3 in the world, and he narrowly missed out on winning Wimbledon last year.

Federer has himself said he will retire when he feels that he can't compete at the highest level. Therefore, his presence in the draw means that he is confident of his chances.

Federer defeated Novak Djokovic in straight sets at the ATP Finals last year, showing that he is still capable of beating the Serb in big tournaments. Moreover, the courts in Melbourne suit his style of play - as evidenced by the fact that he has won two of the last three titles there.

The Swiss is always one of the favourites to win wherever he plays. He has had over a month off and will be going into the Australian Open fresh, which bodes well for him.

#1 Novak Djokovic

In at number 1 is Novak Djokovic. Since his strange fall from grace in 2017, the Serb has gone on to win five Grand Slams, including last year's Australian Open. This tournament holds special significance for Djokovic, as he looks to win an unprecedented eighth title.

Last year's tournament saw the Serb demolish his arch-rival Rafael Nadal in the final. Their latest match saw something similar, as Djokovic swept the Spaniard off the court - again in straight sets.

We are yet to discover the draw yet, but in all likelihood Djokovic will have to face at least one of Federer and Nadal. And though he beat Federer at Wimbledon, he also lost to the Swiss in London at the ATP Finals.

Nevertheless, Djokovic is still the player to beat on the men's tour, and fully deserves to be placed as the favorite to win the title again in 2020.

Also Read: Top 5 contenders for the women's singles crown