As we head into 2025 you know what that means don’t you… that’s right we’re getting close to the Aussie Open Tennis. So, here’s your mate Joe Fortune with his comprehensive guide to the Australian Open 2025.
About The Australian Open
The Australian Open is one of the most prestigious annual sports events. As one of the four Grand Slam events, the Australian Open draws fans from all over the world, and the 2025 edition promises to be another thrilling slam to get the tennis year started. In this rundown, I’ll cover everything you need to know about the 2025 Australian Open, from when it’s happening to the best places to watch the action and plenty of info on the stars who will be competing.
Who sponsors the Australian Open?
The Open’s main sponsor is KIA, which signed a massive deal last year to extend its 22-year partnership with Tennis Australia for another five years. Other key partners of the event include Emirates, Rolex, Ralph Lauren and Piper-Heidsieck.
What Makes the Australian Open so Special?
The Australian Open stands out for many reasons. It’s held in January and is the first slam of the year, so the eyes of the tennis world are very much focused on the event. Also, Australians, particularly Victorians, are out and about in Melbourne during the summer, which adds an extra vibe and energy to the event.
It’s also known for being more laid-back than the other slams, as fans enjoy the spectacle in a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the intensity of other major tennis tournaments. With its growing history, iconic players, and world-class facilities, the Australian Open has become a must-attend event for tennis fans.
Where to Watch the Australian Open on TV and Streaming Platforms
For those who can’t make it to Melbourne, the good news is that the Australian Open is broadcast both on TV and through streaming platforms. For those wanting Free to Air coverage, Channel 9, 9NOW and 9GEM covers all the key matches featuring the big names, top seeds and Aussies.
For streaming, STAN Sport is your go-to platform which has the most extensive coverage of all matches, highlights, repeats and shows. It costs a few bucks, but you don’t get any adverts and can stop your subscription after 1 month, if you’re only interested in watching the tennis.
2025 Australian Open Schedule
The Australian Open Qualifiers will take place from January 6th to 11th 202 with the 2025 tournament officially getting underway on Sunday, January 12th, 2025, ending with the women’s final is on Saturday, January 25th, 2025, and the Men’s final on Sunday, January 26th, 2025.
Day sessions usually run from 11am to 5pm AEDT and night sessions typically start at 7pm AEDT and can go very late into the evening. Perhaps don’t make plans too early the following day if you’re at one of these sessions! For those watching at home, make sure you keep an eye out for specific match times, as schedules may vary based on weather conditions or match durations.
Events Around the Australian Open
The Australian Open is more than just tennis, as Melbourne comes alive with a host of events that make the tournament even more enjoyable. If you’re in the city, there’s plenty to do and see beyond the courts.
First up is the main hub of the Australian Open in Melbourne Park, this features not only the courts but also the Grand Slam Oval, where you can watch matches on the big screen. This outdoor area is perfect for watching the action with family and friends, and you can even grab a bite at the food trucks and stalls surrounding the area.
During the Australian Open, the Fan Zone is the place to be. It’s a lively space where fans can come together to enjoy live music, food, merchandise, and tennis-themed activities. It’s a great way to soak in the atmosphere, even if you can’t get tickets to the main courts. Throughout Melbourne, there are always plenty of events tied to the Australian Open. From pop-up bars to tennis-themed festivals, you’ll find entertainment around almost every corner. The Australian Open Bars at Fed Square are a great place to grab a couple of cold ones with mates and watch the tennis on big screens.
Want Tickets for the Event?
Tickets for the Australian Open can be purchased through the official AO website, with a range of options depending on your preferences and budget from general admission to premium VIP and hospitality seats for the finals. Ground Passes: Prices for general admission start from about $70 depending on the day. If you’re looking for Day Session Tickets: Prices for single sessions on the main courts range from $150–$250.
If you’re more of a night owl and fancy evening sessions, tickets for these are about $100–$200.
Finals tickets are always in high demand and can cost anywhere from $200–$500 for standard seating, with premium seats and courtside tickets running much higher. As with all major sporting events, booking early is recommended, especially if you’re hoping to catch the action on Centre Court or the Rod Laver Arena. It is worth checking the official AO website for any ticket promos or packages that may be available.
Who Are the Contenders for the 2025 Australian Open?
With the 2025 Australian Open around the corner, many of the world’s best players are expected to compete so here are the key contenders starting with the men. It goes without saying that Novak Djokovic, the Serbian legend and multiple winner at the Australian Open, will undoubtedly be a contender for the title. Despite somewhat of a disappointing 2024 in Grand Slams, his dominance on hard courts always makes him a serious threat. He now has recruited Andy Murray as his coach to help him break Margaret Court’s record of Single Grand Slam Titles.
Carlos Alcaraz, the Spanish sensation has taken over from Rafa Nadal as Spain’s superstar in the tennis world and with two Grand Slam wins last year is heavily fancied to go better than the quarter finals which he reached in 2024. Daniil Medvedev, the Russian powerhouse is another top contender, having made his mark in the Australian Open over the past few years with three finals’ appearances in the last four years, he will be desperate to go one better this time around. Jannick Sinner, the reigning Aussie Open and US Open champion and current world number one is the player that they all have to defeat this year.
The Women’s contenders start with Iga Świątek. The Polish world number 1 has been a dominant force on the WTA tour and with another French Open victory last year is one of the favourites for the 2025 crown. Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus has won the last two Aussie Open titles, and you wouldn’t bet against her making it three in a row!
Coco Gauff, an impressive young American, is tipped to go deep into the tournament. Finally, Emma Raducanu, the British star, who shocked the sport when winning the US Open in 2021 as a qualifier. She has great potential if she can stay fit and there will be many opponents wanting to avoid her in the draw as if she gets into her groove she might spring another surprise.
A Recap of the 2024 Australian Open
The 2024 Men’s Australian Open saw Jannik Sinner defeat Daniil Medvedev, 3–6, 3–6, 6–4, 6–4, 6–3 in one of the great comebacks seen in a final. At two sets down the Italian looked down and out but somehow fought back against all odds for an incredible win
In the women’s final in 2024 Aryna Sabalenka easily beat China Zheng Qinwen, 6–3, 6–2 to win her second title and cement herself as a true champion by virtue of not having dropped a set in the whole tournament.
Which Aussies Stars to Watch Out for
Our best hope in the men’s draw is Alex de Minaur. The Demon, as he is known, had a superb 2024 reaching as high as number six in the world. He will be hoping to go better than the 4th round which he has been knocked out in for the last three years. Other Aussie Men who should also go alright are Alexei Popyrin who is in the world’s top 30 and being seeded he could spring a few surprises.
Jordan Thompson won the men’s doubles at the US Open in 2024 and depending on who he partners with you don’t want to miss out watching him competing in the doubles! In the women’s draw Olivia Gadecki is our number one player and having got to round 2 last year she will be keen to go better than that and try to break into the world’s top 50.
It’ll be interesting to see if Ajla Tomljanovic is given a wild card into the main draw. The star of the Netflix show, Break Point, has had a tough couple of years which ended up with surgery a few months ago. She has returned to winning ways and recently won the Hong Kong 125 Open as she starts to climb back up the rankings.
Quick History of the Australian Open
The Australian Open was first played in 1905 as the Australasian Championships and has since grown into one of the most popular sporting events in the Southern Hemisphere with over 1 million fans turning up to last year’s tournament. What has made this Grand Slam unique is that it was the first to have indoor play when the weather would normally prevent players from playing, and being in Melbourne, that could either be rain or extreme heat!
Prize money to the winner of both singles tournaments last year was $3.5 million which isn’t too bad is it?… The women’s singles winner is presented with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup and the men’s singles winner is presented with the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup.
Aussie Open Winner Records
Novak Djokovic has been the most successful male player in the Australian Open’s history, winning a record 11 titles as of 2024. Serena Williams has claimed the title 7 times, cementing her place as one of the greatest female athletes of all time. Rod Laver, after whom the arena is named, won the tournament twice during the amateur era, and in doing so raising the profile of the tournament. The most recent Aussie to have won a single’s title is Ash Barty who won the women’s in 2022 and then less than 2 months later promptly announced her retirement from the sport.
Recent Aussie Open Surprises
In 2014, having lost in two previous finals, Li Na claimed a surprising victory in the women’s singles, becoming the first Asian player to win the title. 2017 saw a stunning return for Roger Federer, who won his 18th Grand Slam after a six-month injury layoff. Federer, seeded 17, triumphed over Nadal with a thrilling victory to lift the men’s singles title. This win marked his fifth Australian Open win and made history by becoming the oldest men’s singles major champion, surpassing Ken Rosewall’s record set at the 1972 Australian Open.
In 2022 Nadal defeated Medvedev, in 5 hours and 24 minutes to win his second Australian Open title, and record his 21st major men’s singles title. The greatest shock in recent times was when Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios won the 2022 Australian Open men’s doubles title, defeating Ebden and Purcell in an all-Aussie final. They became the first all-Aussie pair to win the title since Woodbridge and Woodforde in 1997 and the first wild card champions in the Open Era. Known as the Special K’s, Kokkinakis and Kyrgios sparked more fan excitement than usual for a doubles team throughout their run to lifting the trophy.
Will Kyrgios Play in the Aussie Open 2025?
After several setbacks let’s hope Nick Kyrgios is fit and ready to play at a high level again. Sure, he splits opinion but your mate Joe Fortune here loves to watch him play, he is unpredictable and volatile at times, but he brings an energy and buzz to the event. Looking at his world ranking he is likely to need a wild card entry, so let’s hope Tennis Australia gives him a spot in the main draw if he says he is good to compete!