After a blink-and-you’ll-miss it offseason — there have been precisely 5 days between the conclusion of the NextGen ATP Finals and the beginning of the United Cup — the 2025 tennis season is formally underway.
And prepared or not, it is already time for the yr’s first main on the Australian Open, which begins Sunday in Melbourne (Saturday at 7 p.m. ET).
Haven’t adopted tennis for the reason that US Open or simply want a refresher on essentially the most compelling storylines? We’ve acquired you coated. Here’s all the things — minus the caffeine and a technique to maintain the times straight for these watching stateside — you want forward of the principle draw on the “Happy Slam.”
The defending champs
For a number of years it was unclear who would exchange tennis’ longtime elite gamers — Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Serena Williams — as they inevitably neared the ends of their careers. It appeared unimaginable to assume anybody would be capable of constantly win titles as they’d achieved. And whereas Djokovic remains to be enjoying (extra on him shortly) and all these on tour nonetheless have a lengthy technique to go earlier than they occupy the identical air because the legends talked about, there are a number of which have stepped as much as the duty. Chief amongst them are the defending champions: Aryna Sabalenka, who additionally received in Melbourne in 2023, and Jannik Sinner.
The two are the reigning world No. 1 gamers, and each had been additionally victorious on the US Open. Each had monster 2024 seasons — Sabalenka received 4 titles and Sinner clinched eight — and are the oddsmakers’ favorites to hoist the singles trophies later this month.
Sabalenka has already been spectacular in 2025. After cruising to the Brisbane remaining final week, she fought again after dropping the primary set in opposition to Polina Kudermetova to take the crown — the 18th of her profession and fourth on Australian soil — with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory. She will now look to turn out to be the primary lady to win three straight on the Australian Open since Martina Hingis did so in 1997, 1998 and 1999.
“Mentally, bodily I’ll be able to go on the Australian Open,” Sabalenka mentioned after the Brisbane remaining. “Really proud of the way in which the week went. Having this trophy going to the key, it is actually necessary.”
Sinner has but to play in 2025 however ended 2024 with the title on the ATP Finals, and because the hero of the championship-winning Italian group on the Davis Cup. He will doubtless face questions and extra consideration relating to his failed drug tests and the appeal from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) about his lack of suspension. But related scrutiny did little to disrupt his trophy quest in New York final yr, and he is confirmed he can block out the surface noise whereas on the court docket.
Djokovic’s drive for 25 continues
After successful nearly all the things in 2023, Djokovic appeared effectively on his technique to breaking Margaret Court’s report of 24 Grand Slam singles titles final yr. He arrived in Melbourne final January with excessive expectations and a perception he may just do that in Court’s native Australia.
And, because the report holder for many singles titles (10) on the main within the Open period, it actually appeared greater than doable.
However, his desires had been dashed following a semifinal loss to Sinner, and the remainder of the season did not go to plan both. Djokovic didn’t win a Grand Slam title — and he did not win an ATP Tour-level title of any sort for the primary time since 2005. While he did earn the one remaining achievement not on his résumé by winning Olympic gold in Paris, it was undoubtedly an odd season for him. He even admitted it was turning into an growing problem to stay motivated on court docket, particularly following the retirement of his “best rival” Nadal, along with Federer and Andy Murray beforehand.
“It’s a bit overwhelming for me,” Djokovic mentioned in October after Nadal’s announcement. “I do not know what to make out of it. I nonetheless get pleasure from competing however a part of me left with them, an enormous a part of me.”
Djokovic, 37, opened his 2025 season in Brisbane however was handed a stunning defeat within the quarterfinals by American Reilly Opelka, who lately made his return following a prolonged damage absence.
But neither his opening outcome nor his lackluster (solely by his excessive requirements, that’s) 2024 season have derailed any pleasure about his 2025 Australian Open marketing campaign.
The No. 7-ranked Djokovic will not be solely again in Melbourne, however he is introduced alongside his new coach for the journey. Yes, that will after all be Murray, the three-time main champion who retired following the Paris Olympics. The longtime rivals and buddies announced they would be working together in November and Murray will formally be Djokovic’s coach on the Australian Open. Much to the delight of followers on the grounds, and everywhere in the globe, the pair had been noticed working towards on website Tuesday.
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Djokovic and new coach Murray hyperlink up for first coaching session
Former rivals Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray apply for the primary time forward of the Australian Open.
According to ESPN BET, Djokovic has the third-best odds, behind Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, at +350, of successful the title. But how he’ll fare in Melbourne — a spot he admits nonetheless causes him “trauma” after his controversial deportation in 2021 — and past may simply be the most important thriller for the 2025 season.
The different prime contenders
In addition to the reigning champions, and the winningest participant on the occasion within the Open period, there are a number of others who’ve a professional probability of successful the titles.
Coco Gauff: After a disappointing summer time, culminating in a fourth-round loss throughout her protection mission on the US Open in September, Gauff retooled her group and her recreation — and has been a pressure to be reckoned with since. After a brief break following the loss in New York, Gauff ended 2024 with the titles on the 1000-level China Open and on the year-end WTA Finals. Earlier this week she was named the MVP of the United Cup because of her 5-0 efficiency in singles play as she led the United States group to the title. The No. 3 seed on the Australian Open, the 20-year-old Gauff will look to enhance upon her 2024 semifinal run and win her second main singles title.
Carlos Alcaraz: The 21-year-old Spaniard received the French Open and Wimbledon, and an Olympic silver medal, in 2024 and can look to finish the profession Grand Slam in 2025 with the title on the Australian Open. He was not as profitable within the latter a part of the 2024 season — he was upset within the second spherical of the US Open and didn’t get out of group play on the ATP Finals — however he did win the title on the China Open. He hasn’t but performed in 2025 and needs to be effectively rested for the event. He had his finest run Down Under final yr with a quarterfinal look however he actually can be aiming for extra this time round.
Iga Swiatek: The five-time main champion and present world No. 2 opened her season by main Poland to the United Cup remaining earlier than she was stopped by Gauff in straight units. The 23-year-old reached the semifinals in Melbourne in 2022 however has since uncharacteristically struggled on the occasion — dropping within the fourth spherical in 2023 and the third spherical final season. Still, she stays one of many sport’s largest threats on the arduous court docket. Swiatek tested positive for a banned substance in 2024 and accepted a one-month suspension, and, like Sinner, will doubtless face scrutiny in her first main because it was introduced. Will the added consideration gas her or distract her? The oddsmakers appear to assume the previous. She’s tied with Gauff for the second-best odds for the ladies, per ESPN Bet.
Daniil Medvedev: A 3-time Australian Open finalist, together with final yr, and the 2021 US Open champion, Medvedev enters the event slightly below the radar after a comparatively subpar 2024 season. He missed the lead-in occasions as a result of delivery of his second youngster — a private replace he simply revealed on Tuesday — and is considerably of a wild card getting into the event. But Medvedev has repeatedly confirmed to be top-of-the-line on the floor and will actually make one more run to the ultimate.
Other title threats embrace Jasmine Paolini, the world No. 4 who surprised the tennis world together with her finals appearances on the French Open and Wimbledon final season, 2024 Australian Open finalist and Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen and two-time Australian Open semifinalist and world No. 2 Alexander Zverev.
Osaka’s roller-coaster comeback journey
Naomi Osaka made her return to tennis following maternity leave at first of the 2024 season with a contemporary perspective. But returning to aggressive tennis hasn’t been straightforward. The four-time main champion was unable to advance previous the second spherical at a Slam and reached simply two quarterfinals throughout the remainder of the season.
Osaka parted methods together with her coach Wim Fissette in September and began working with Patrick Mouratoglou — Serena Williams’ former coach — later that month. After coaching collectively in Los Angeles through the offseason, Osaka opened 2025 in Auckland by reaching her first remaining in nearly three years.
All smiles for the ultimate 😄@naomiosaka powers her approach into her first remaining since 2022 as she defeats Parks 6-4, 6-2!#ASBClassic25 pic.twitter.com/u2eGo7igGU
— wta (@WTA) January 4, 2025
After claiming the primary set and looking out effectively on her technique to the title, she tearfully retired from the match with an belly damage. Despite the inopportune timing, Osaka mentioned she can be present process an MRI and nonetheless believed she would be capable of play on the Australian Open.
“I do not really feel that it is too severe, and I nonetheless really feel very optimistic about AO,” the 27-year-old said Monday.
Osaka is a two-time victor in Melbourne, most lately in 2021, and confirmed flashes of her signature dominance throughout her run in Auckland. She is now again inside the highest 50 for the primary time since her return. But will she be capable of play subsequent week or will her main ambition be thwarted till the spring? It’s unclear, but it surely appears secure to say that her kind is returning to her earlier stage, and if she may be at or close to full well being, few opponents would need to see her of their part of the draw.
Kyrgios is again — perhaps
While he wasn’t precisely removed from tennis because of his podcast, tv commentating appearances on ESPN and the BBC, and continued headline-generating actions, Nick Kyrgios performed in only one match through the 2023 and 2024 seasons as he underwent a number of surgical procedures on his wrist and knee.
But now, the polarizing Australian is lastly again in time for his residence Slam and can be enjoying in each singles and doubles alongside fellow Aussie Thanasi Kokkinakis. The pair received the title collectively in 2022.
Kyrgios, a 2022 Wimbledon finalist, made his official return earlier this month in Brisbane. He misplaced in a hard-fought first-round conflict in opposition to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, 7-6 (2), 6-7 (4), 7-6 (3) and reached the second spherical in doubles with Djokovic. The 29-year-old was candid in how he was feeling following his first match again.
“I feel I nearly want a miracle and I would like the celebrities to align for my wrist to carry up in a Grand Slam for certain,” he mentioned.
Since then, Kyrgios shared he can be present process scans to make sure his wrist was “structurally all OK” in an Instagram story put up, and said on Wednesday that he was also dealing with an abdominal strain. But assuming he does play, Kyrgios will undoubtedly be one of many largest fan attracts due to his showmanship and electrifying factors just like the one beneath.
He’s again 🥳@NickKyrgios as much as his previous methods in his first match again#BrisbaneInternational pic.twitter.com/XXnynsivJB
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) December 30, 2024
What concerning the Americans?
It’s been 5 years since an American received an Australian Open singles title, and 22 years since an American man took residence the honors.
So, sure, it has been awhile, particularly for the lads. In reality, as you doubtless know all too effectively, the U.S. males have not received a Slam singles title anyplace since Andy Roddick did so on the US Open in 2003.
But each the ladies and the lads carry a formidable roster this yr and will make issues fascinating.
In addition to Gauff, there are 4 different countrywomen within the prime 20 heading into the principle draw. No. 7 Jessica Pegula is coming off her finest main outcome ever with a remaining look on the US Open. No. 8 Emma Navarro had a breakthrough season with a semifinal run on the US Open and a quarterfinal bid at Wimbledon. No. 11 Danielle Collins received her largest title to this point on the 1000-level Miami Open in March, in addition to the title in Charleston the next week, after which nearly retired before coming back for what may very well be (or may not be!) her remaining season. And No. 20 Madison Keys has been a stalwart of second weeks at majors throughout her profession and has twice reached the semifinals in Melbourne.
Not to say, there’s Amanda Anisimova, ranked No. 36, who made a fourth-round run on the event in 2024, following a mental health break from the sport. She’s since reached the ultimate on the Canadian Open.
And whereas she’s by no means repeated her monumental 2020 season — she additionally performed within the French Open remaining throughout that pandemic-impacted yr — Sofia Kenin, the final American to be victorious on the Australian Open and now ranked No. 81, may at all times shock. She reached the ultimate on the 500-level Pan Pacific Open in October.
And, imagine it or not, the lads are equally poised for achievement because of a exceptional depth of expertise.
That checklist begins with Taylor Fritz, the world No. 4 who reached the US Open remaining in September. Since then — the perfect Slam results of his profession — the 27-year-old made the ultimate on the ATP Finals and helped lead the Americans to a United Cup win. During the occasion, Fritz went 4-1 in singles play, together with a championship-clinching victory over Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz.
Fritz reached the quarterfinals on the Australian Open final season and now is aware of he is able to much more.
Then there’s Fritz’s childhood good friend and Olympic bronze medal-winning teammate Tommy Paul, presently ranked No. 12. Paul reached the semifinals in Melbourne two years in the past and has solely gotten higher. He received three titles in 2024.
Fan favourite Frances Tiafoe is ranked No. 17 and had his first main breakthrough on the Australian Open in 2019 when he reached the quarterfinals. He’s since reached the semis on the US Open twice, together with in 2024, and is greater than able to an upset in opposition to a few of the largest names. (Just ask Nadal!)
No. 21 Ben Shelton was a quarterfinalist in 2023 — in simply his second main look and first event exterior of the United States. He’s a two-time champion on the ATP Tour and has lengthy been seen because the nation’s finest hope to snap the Slam drought. Could this be the yr?
No. 22 Sebastian Korda, a 2023 quarterfinalist, and No. 37 Brandon Nakashima, who beat top-20 gamers Holger Rune and Lorenzo Musetti on the 2024 US Open en path to the fourth spherical, are additionally younger gamers to regulate.
Rybakina’s teaching saga
After splitting from her coach Stefano Vukov through the US Open, many within the tennis world had been thrilled when 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina employed Goran Ivanisevic — Djokovic’s former coach and 2001 Wimbledon champion — through the offseason. After a number of years of working with Vukov, throughout which he drew criticism for his intense outbursts towards Rybakina and through which she had a variety of surprising withdrawals from occasions, Ivanisevic appeared to supply a contemporary begin for Rybakina.
The pair spent two weeks coaching in Dubai forward of the season and Rybakina, the present world No. 6, helped lead Kazakhstan to the semifinals of the United Cup of their first event collectively. But on New Year’s Day, Rybakina stunned the tennis world, and reportedly Ivanisevic, as she introduced Vukov can be rejoining her group. In a post on X responding to the information, former player-turned-coach and ESPN analyst Pam Shriver referred to as it a “very unhappy state of affairs” and mentioned the game wanted to “lastly stand as much as identified abuse and cult like manipulations of gamers.”
In an article from The Athletic the next day, it was revealed that Vukov had been provisionally suspended by the WTA for a breach of the Tour’s code of conduct and he wouldn’t be capable of get hold of a credential for the Australian Open or different tournaments. Since then, Rybakina has defended Vukov and insisted he “by no means mistreated” her.
Earlier this week, Ivanisevic told Bounces it was a “very unusual state of affairs” and “not good for anyone.” He went on to say he remained a part of Rybakina’s group in the meanwhile.
“I imply, let’s put it this manner: I’m right here,” Ivanisevic mentioned. “I simply need to anticipate WTA; I feel it is truthful. And then, we’ll see what is going on to be subsequent. Still, I do not need to go an excessive amount of into the longer term.”
What all this implies for Rybakina, 25, is unsure, however it’ll stay a speaking level all through the event as this continues to play out within the coming days and weeks.
Coaching carousel
While way more contentious than typical, Rybakina’s teaching change was nothing uncommon in skilled tennis. Several prime gamers — along with Djokovic and Osaka — discovered new coaches to work with through the offseason.
After being dismissed by Osaka, Fissette started working with Swiatek. She had beforehand introduced she was now not working with Tomasz Wiktorowski after three years collectively. Swiatek’s Poland teammate Hurkacz additionally made strikes as he dropped Craig Boynton after successful eight titles collectively and employed eight-time main champion Ivan Lendl and Nicolas Massu.
Gauff break up with Brad Gilbert, who had been a part of her group throughout her 2023 US Open run, in September and introduced in Matt Daly to assist make changes to her grip and serve. So far, as evidenced above, it has been a reasonably profitable partnership.
And, as a result of, effectively, tennis, different adjustments are greater than doubtless following (or perhaps even throughout) the Australian Open. Stay tuned.
Who’s out
While each attracts are star-studded and stuffed with large names, there are some notable absences.
Reigning Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova introduced her withdrawal Sunday as a consequence of a lingering again damage sustained close to the top of the 2024 season. “It’s actually disappointing as a result of I really like enjoying in Melbourne and have such nice reminiscences from reaching the quarterfinals final yr,” she wrote in a social media post.
Former world No. 1s Caroline Wozniacki, who received the event in 2018, and Karolina Pliskova, a former semifinalist, have additionally withdrawn. Simona Halep, one other former No. 1 and two-time main champion, had been granted a wild card into qualifying following her return to tennis after serving a suspension for doping. But she announced her withdrawal final month as a consequence of knee and shoulder ache.
“After discussing with my group at size, we agreed it’s smart to delay the beginning of my season,” Halep wrote in an Instagram story.
The males’s draw has remained largely intact.
But after all, 2025 additionally marks the primary season following the retirements of former Grand Slam champions Nadal, Murray, Angelique Kerber, Dominic Thiem and Garbine Muguruza, and it is arduous to assume they will not be missed by followers.
Future champions?
While the 2 eventual singles champions have doubtless already been talked about, listed below are a number of up-and-coming gamers that would make a splash in Melbourne and past this season:
Mirra Andreeva: The 17-year-old Russian has been on a constant rise since bursting onto the scene through the 2023 season with a fourth-round run at Madrid. Since her star flip, Andreeva has reached the semifinals on the 2024 French Open, received her first WTA singles title and even captured the Olympic silver medal in doubles with fellow rising star Diana Shnaider. She opened the season with a semifinal look in Brisbane and the doubles title with Shnaider. Andreeva broke into the highest 15 within the rankings this week for the primary time and is the youngest participant within the prime 150.
Arthur Fils: The 20-year-old Frenchman reached the fourth spherical at Wimbledon final season and received two ATP 500-level titles. He’s now ranked a career-high No. 20 and can look to enhance upon his spectacular 2024 into the brand new yr. This marks simply his second Australian Open look and he reached the second spherical throughout his debut.
Linda Noskova: Ranked No. 30, the 20-year-old recorded her finest Slam outcome throughout final yr’s Australian Open by reaching the quarterfinals — and made a direct identify for herself by upsetting then No. 1 Swiatek within the third spherical. After narrowly lacking out on a medal on the Olympics, Noskova used her disappointment to gas her first WTA singles title at Monterrey in August and a semifinal run in Cincinnati.
Joao Fonseca: The 2023 US Open junior champion is contemporary off his victory on the Next Gen ATP Finals and is presently enjoying in Australian Open qualifying. If he wins his three matches, it might mark his first main primary draw look. Currently ranked simply exterior the highest 100 for the primary time, the 18-year-old Brazilian has received two titles on the Challenger tour and is taken into account one of many sport’s brightest younger stars. Two-time main finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas had excessive reward for {the teenager} final month.
“I personally imagine it is only the start of him rising up within the rankings and displaying his precise true potential,” Tsitsipas mentioned throughout a information convention on the United Cup. “I feel we’ll see large issues from him within the subsequent few years, so long as he stays the identical approach he’s now. I see no motive he would underdeliver.”
