Novak Djokovic Receives Medical Exemption to Play in Australian Open: Here’s How Betting Odds are Impacted

Early Tuesday morning, it was announced Novak Djokovic would receive a medical exemption to compete in the Australian Open, the first grand slam of the year which takes place this month.

The world No. 1 and strong favorite prior to the news was unsure if he would be able to play in the tournament where he's found the most success of any tennis player due to his status as an unvaccinated individual.

The Australian Open is played in Victoria, where everyone is required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or receive a medical exemption from two panels of medical experts.

According to a statement from the tournament, "Djokovic applied for a medical exemption which was granted following a rigorous review process involving two separate independent panels of medical experts."

With Djokovic being confirmed in the tournament, did that create a big shift in futures odds? Not really.

The 20-time slam champion was already the favorite despite the uncertainty surrounding his participation in the first major of the year, registering anywhere from +130 to +160 to take home the crown.

That doesn't mean there was no shift in the odds, however, as Djokovic's odds have shortened even further and now mainly range between +120 and +130 (bet $100 to win $120 or $130).

A wager on Djokovic throughout the years at the Australian Open would have been a good one, as he's won eight titles since 2010 and three in a row now.

Daniil Medvedev is the second-favorite, clocking in between +275 and +350, while Alexander Zverev sits behind him ranging from +330 to +450 odds.

A familiar face follows those two by the name of Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard and fellow 20-time slam champion is priced between +1200 and +1400 due to his fitness questions and his lack of success at the tournament.

Roger Federer won't be playing due to a knee injury that has kept him out of competition since Wimbledon.