As the season’s first Grand Slam heads into its second week, tennis fans are witnessing a fierce battle for the title. With one half of the draw already through to the third round and the other still in progress, the action continues to heat up. From surprise defeats to dominant victories, here’s a closer look at the unfolding storylines of the women’s singles at this year’s Australian Open.
Shocking Upsets: The Drama Unfolds
The early rounds of the 2025 Australian Open have been packed with unexpected twists. High-seeded players have faltered, proving just how unpredictable the women’s game can be at the highest level.
The biggest surprise came in the second round when World No. 5 Qinwen Zheng, a finalist last year in Melbourne and an Olympic Gold medalist, was eliminated by 36-year-old unseeded Laura Siegemund. The 97th-ranked Siegemund’s win was a major shock, although her tournament ended abruptly when she was steamrolled by Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the next round, losing 6-2, 6-1.
Another major upset occurred in the third round when Jessica Pegula, the 2024 US Open finalist, was stunned by the unseeded Olga Danilovic. The Serbian continued her impressive form, following up her straight-set victory over Liudmila Samsonova with another dominant performance, ousting Pegula in two sets. These shocking losses remind us that anything can happen in tennis, especially at a prestigious event like the Australian Open.
The Top Contenders: Powerhouses on Course
While the early rounds were filled with surprises, the top-ranked players have been putting on strong displays. Coco Gauff, Iga Świątek, and Elena Rybakina have all advanced comfortably through the opening stages, displaying the form that has made them top contenders.
Rybakina, in particular, has looked sharp with her precise ball striking and confident play, bouncing back well from a difficult 2024 season. Świątek has also been impressive while Gauff’s consistency and agility have seen her sail through without much resistance.
On the other hand, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive Australian Open title, has had to dig deep. She has been tested in each round and was particularly tested against the Dane Clara Tauson in her third-round match, where she lost her serve four times in a row—something rare for the powerful Belarusian. However, Sabalenka’s determination has been clear and despite her struggles she has yet to drop a set and she now faces the talented Mirra Andreeva in the fourth round, where a tough challenge awaits.
Memorable Matches: Thrills and Tension
The 2025 Australian Open has already delivered some unforgettable matches that have added to the drama and intensity of the tournament.
In the second round, former Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka faced off against the rising Karolina Muchova. The match, which stretched to three sets, showcased incredible resilience from both players. Osaka ultimately prevailed in the tight contest but saw her run cut short when she was forced to retire against Belinda Bencic in the third round due to an abdominal injury. Bencic, making her return to Grand Slam tennis after giving birth, took the win by retirement in what was a bittersweet moment.
Another exciting clash took place between 12th seed Diana Shnaider and 18th seed Donna Vekic in the third round. Vekic, who made a stunning run to the Wimbledon semifinals in 2024, overcame the young Shnaider in a tense and high-quality match, winning 7-5 in the third set. The match was filled with powerful hitting and some jaw-dropping shot-making, with Vekic's experience giving her the edge in the final moments.
What’s Next? Upcoming Showdowns
With the third round wrapping up, the 2025 Australian Open promises even more gripping action. A number of intriguing matchups lie ahead.
One of the key encounters early in the day will see 3-time Grand Slam finalist Ons Jabeur face off against 8th-seeded Emma Navarro. Navarro has shown tremendous grit in her matches so far, fighting back from a break down in both of her previous rounds. Jabeur, who has long been a fan favorite, will look to continue her quest for a major title.
Also, don’t miss the highly anticipated clash between World No. 2 Iga Świątek and 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu. Raducanu has had her struggles with injuries but remains a dangerous opponent when in form. Świątek, on the other hand, will be aiming to improve her Australian Open record, where she has only reached the quarterfinals once.
Later in the day, an intriguing encounter is set between 4th seed Jasmine Paolini and 28th seed Elina Svitolina. The pair has never met before, but both have looked strong this year, making this match an exciting prospect. Another highlight will be the all-American clash between Madison Keys and Danielle Collins, a showdown between two players with powerful games and plenty of experience.
Looking Ahead: The Fourth Round Takes Shape
As the third round concludes, we can start looking ahead to the fourth round, where several exciting matchups are already set. One of the standout encounters will see Coco Gauff face off against the unseeded Belinda Bencic. Both players have been in solid form, and their head-to-head record is split, making this clash even more thrilling.
Meanwhile, as mentioned already, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka will meet the rising star Mirra Andreeva in a rematch of their 2024 French Open quarterfinal. Andreeva stunned Sabalenka in that encounter, and the Belarusian will be out for revenge, with a strong record against her young opponent in their other meetings.
Conclusion: The Road to Glory
As the 2025 Australian Open Women’s Singles approaches the end of the opening week, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion. With a mix of seasoned champions like Sabalenka, Rybakina, Gauff, and Świątek, and the rise of promising new stars like Andreeva, the competition remains fierce. The upsets and surprises of the early rounds have shaken up the draw, and with so many players in top form, the race for the title is wide open. Tennis fans are in for more drama, intense battles, and high-level tennis in the coming rounds, making this year’s Australian Open one of the most unpredictable and exciting tournaments on the WTA calendar.