There was a glimmer of hope that Novak Djokovic would be able to play in the US Open despite his unvaccinated status due to the CDC's changing guidance, but those hopes were officially dashed on Thursday when the 21-time slam champion withdrew from the event.
Djokovic was listed on most major sportsbooks as the favorite, but that was more of a hedge in the case that Djokovic actually was able to play.
Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open. Thank you #NoleFam for your messages of love and support. ❤️ Good luck to my fellow players! I’ll keep in good shape and positive spirit and wait for an opportunity to compete again. 💪🏼 See you soon tennis world! 👋🏼
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) August 25, 2022
Djokovic was around +150 prior to his withdrawal, and the former second-favorite, Daniil Medvedev, is now the favorite to secure a second-consecutive US Open.
Medvedev is listed at +195 at FanDuel, a slight drop from his +220 price prior to the news. Behind him is Rafael Nadal (+380), who has already won two slams this year, including the one (Australian Open) where Djokovic was barred from participating.
Youngster Carlos Alcaraz slots in after Nadal at +500, while the man who has been having an incredible summer, Nick Kyrgios (+750), is the only other man shorter than +1000.
Stefanos Tsitsipas is listed at +1400 to secure his first Grand Slam title and Jannik Sinner is after him at +1600.
There are five former Slam champions in the men's draw, with the obvious ones being Medvedev and Nadal at the top of the odds board. All five have won the US Open, but only Nadal has won multiple.
Marin Cilic, is +5000 for the event, with Andy Murray listed at +12000 and Stan Wawrinka even longer at +25000.
The main draw will open on Monday, with first round action lasting for two days.
