Australian Open Day 1: Sabalenka, Andreeva, Zverev Highlight Opening Matches

The 2025 Australian Open kicked off with a slate of high-profile matches on Day 1, featuring Grand Slam champions, rising stars, and seasoned veterans. Aryna Sabalenka, the WTA‘s current standout, faced off against former US Open champion Sloane Stephens in a clash of generations. Sabalenka, ranked No. 2, entered the match with a dominant 4-0 head-to-head record against Stephens, who has struggled to regain her peak form in recent years.

Sabalenka, 26, has been in stellar form, winning all five of her matches this season. Stephens, 31, has faced challenges, losing both of her matches in 2025. Despite Stephens’ defensive prowess and ability to extend rallies, Sabalenka’s power game proved too much, as she secured a straight-sets victory, 6-3, 6-4. “I knew I had to stay aggressive and not let her dictate the pace,” Sabalenka said after the match.

In another highlight, 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva, a rising star who reached a Grand Slam semifinal last year, faced Marie Bouzkova. Andreeva, ranked 15th, showcased her heavy groundstrokes and two-handed backhand to overcome Bouzkova, 6-2, 7-5. “I felt confident out there, but Bouzkova made me work for every point,” Andreeva commented. The win marked another step forward for the young Russian, who is already being touted as a future major champion.

On the men’s side, Alexander Zverev faced a familiar opponent in Lucas Pouille, a former Top 10 player who has been rebuilding his career after elbow surgery. Pouille, now ranked inside the Top 100, pushed Zverev in the first set but ultimately fell short, with Zverev winning 7-5, 6-3, 6-2. “Lucas is a tough competitor, and I had to stay focused,” Zverev said. The German, who has been consistent in early-round matches at majors, advanced to the second round with ease.

The opening day also set the stage for Day 2, where defending champion Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and Iga Swiatek will begin their campaigns. Djokovic, seeking a record 25th Grand Slam title, will debut with new coach Andy Murray in his corner. Meanwhile, Sinner faces a challenging first-round match against big-serving Nicolas Jarry, and Swiatek looks to overcome her recent struggles at Melbourne Park.

As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more thrilling matches and potential upsets, with the world’s best players vying for the first Grand Slam title of the year.