Raducanu Confident Ahead of Australian Open as Sabalenka Eyes Hat-Trick

MELBOURNE, Australia — The 2025 Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the season, kicks off Sunday, 12 January, with reigning champions Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka aiming to defend their titles. Sabalenka, who won back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024, is seeking a historic hat-trick at Melbourne Park.

World No. 1 Sinner, fresh off a dominant 2024 season that included victories at the Australian Open, US Open, and ATP Finals, is poised to solidify his status as the top hard-court player. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic, chasing a record 25th Grand Slam title, will have a familiar coaching presence as he vies for an unprecedented 11th Australian Open crown.

On the women’s side, world No. 2 Iga Swiatek returns to Grand Slam action after a late 2024 hiatus, aiming to challenge Sabalenka’s dominance on hard courts. Sabalenka, who opens the tournament on Rod Laver Arena, faces a tough first-round match against 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens. Stephens, seeking redemption after a lackluster 2024 season, could provide an early test for the Belarusian star.

Alexander Zverev, one of the men’s favorites, begins his campaign against France’s Lucas Pouille. Pouille, a 2019 Australian Open semifinalist, has shown signs of resurgence and could pose a challenge for the German. The tournament’s opening day features a packed schedule, with matches across Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, and John Cain Arena.

Fans can watch the action live on Eurosport, with streaming available on-demand. As the tennis world turns its attention to Melbourne, the stage is set for a thrilling start to the 2025 Grand Slam season.