Top Contenders
Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus)
Aryna Sabalenka is the clear favorite for the 2025 Australian Open. Now ranked No. 1, Sabalenka has won her last 14 matches at Melbourne Park and is targeting a historic third consecutive women’s singles title, a feat not accomplished since Martina Hingis in 1999. Known for her powerful serve and aggressive baseline play, Sabalenka has the ability to dominate her opponents. She carried her impressive 2024 form into the new year, winning her Brisbane warm-up tournament, dropping just one set along the way. With such strong momentum, Sabalenka is poised to make history and secure another Australian Open title, solidifying her place at the top of women’s tennis. If she continues playing at this level, she will be a formidable force and hard to stop in Melbourne.
Iga Świątek (Poland)
Iga Świątek, now ranked No. 2, remains a favorite heading into the 2025 Australian Open. Known for her powerful baseline game and mental resilience, Świątek has dominated on clay, winning 4 of the last 5 French Opens. However, she has struggled to replicate that success on other surfaces, with her 2021 US Open title being the only other Grand Slam final she has reached. Her best performance at the Australian Open came in 2022, when she made a semifinal appearance, marking her only run past the fourth round in Melbourne. Despite these challenges, Świątek’s skill and consistency make her a formidable contender at any Grand Slam and she will be aiming for a deeper run in 2025 and will certainly be one to watch in Melbourne.
Coco Gauff (USA)
At just 20 years old, Coco Gauff has already proven herself on the biggest stages, including her US Open victory in 2023. Known for her athleticism, maturity, and strong work ethic, Gauff is a dangerous opponent on any surface. She is coming off a very strong end to 2024, having won 3 of her last 4 tournaments, including a standout performance for Team USA in the United Cup following up her victory at the WTA Finals. With such impressive form, Gauff is poised to be a formidable force in Melbourne at the 2025 Australian Open. If she continues her upward trajectory, she could make a deep run and challenge for the title.
More Contenders
Elena Rybakina (Kazakhstan)
Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, will be a formidable contender at the 2025 Australian Open. Known for her powerful serve and aggressive baseline game, Rybakina demonstrated her hard-court prowess with a run to the final in Melbourne in 2023. Despite winning 3 titles and reaching the semifinals at Wimbledon in 2024, she had a relatively underwhelming season by her high standards, struggling with illness and injuries. As she enters a fresh year, Rybakina will hope for a return to her best form. It will also be intriguing to see how the addition of Goran Ivanišević to her team impacts her game.
Jasmine Paolini (Italy)
Jasmine Paolini enters the 2025 Australian Open with a career-high world No. 4 ranking after a breakout 2024 season. The 29-year-old Italian made a splash in 2024 by finishing runner-up at both the French Open and Wimbledon, while also securing doubles gold at the Paris Olympics. Paolini’s aggressive baseline game and powerful groundstrokes have made her a dangerous opponent, especially on hard courts, where she has won both of her WTA singles titles. After a fourth-round exit in Melbourne last year, Paolini will be eager to make a deeper run and challenge for her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.
Qinwen Zheng (China)
Qinwen Zheng enters the 2025 Australian Open as one of the rising stars of women’s tennis. The 22-year-old Chinese player has impressed with her combination of power and an all-around game, capable of hitting hard from the baseline while moving swiftly around the court. Zheng had a breakthrough 2024 season, making the final at the Australian Open and claiming gold for China at the Paris Olympics. She ended the year with a strong run to the final of the WTA Finals, narrowly losing to Coco Gauff in a third-set tiebreak. Zheng will be aiming for a deep run in Melbourne, hoping to improve on her 2024 performance.
Jessica Pegula (USA)
Jessica Pegula has emerged as one of the most consistent players on the WTA Tour, known for her steady baseline game, quick movement, and ability to handle pressure. She has been a reliable performer at the Australian Open, with three consecutive quarterfinal appearances before a surprising second-round exit in 2024. Pegula has proven her ability to go deep in major tournaments, reaching the final at the 2024 US Open. Despite entering the season with injury concerns, she is currently in the final of her warm-up event in Adelaide, where she will play Madison Keys. Pegula’s strong form makes her a serious contender at the 2025 Australian Open. With her recent success, she will look to build on her momentum and make another deep run in Melbourne.
Karolina Muchová (Czech Republic)
Karolina Muchová is a talented and versatile player, having reached the quarterfinals of all four Grand Slams. Known for her all-around game, which combines finesse, agility, and strategic shot-making, Muchová is capable of going deep at any major. She made a strong semifinal run at the 2021 Australian Open and has reached the semifinals at the last two US Opens, showcasing her ability to compete on hard courts. If Muchová can stay healthy and find her best form, she could be one of the dark horses at the 2025 Australian Open, ready to challenge the tournament’s top contenders.
Dark Horses
Madison Keys (USA)
Madison Keys, now a veteran at 29, enters the 2025 Australian Open as a strong contender with her powerful game and aggressive style. Known for her big serve and lethal forehand, Keys has the ability to dominate, especially on hard courts. She has made two semifinals in Australia and has reached the final of the US Open . Despite a solid 2024 season, Keys underachieved at the Slams, failing to get past the fourth round in the three she played (missed the Australian Open due to injury) and will be keen to make her mark here. Keys is in strong form and faces Jessica Pegula in the Adelaide final ahead of Melbourne. With her power and experience, she will be aiming for a deep run and could challenge for her first Grand Slam title.
Paula Badosa (Spain)
Paula Badosa had an impressive return in 2024, capturing her first WTA title since 2022 at Washington and showcasing her resilience with a strong run to the quarterfinals at the US Open. This marked a remarkable comeback after an injury setback that had threatened her career. Badosa will be eager to improve her record at Grand Slams, as her quarterfinal at the US Open was only her second at a major, and she has never reached a semifinal. Melbourne has also been a challenging venue for her, having made it past the second round only twice. However, with her confidence growing, Badosa will look to make a deep run at the 2025 Australian Open.
Mirra Andreeva (Russia)
Mirra Andreeva enters the 2025 Australian Open as one of the most exciting young talents on the WTA Tour. At just 17 years old, Andreeva has already impressed with her powerful baseline game and maturity beyond her years. She made a notable breakthrough in 2024 reaching the semi final at the French Open and won her maiden title at Iasi Open.. Known for her aggressive style and strong mental resilience, Andreeva is poised to make a significant impact in Melbourne. With her fearless approach and rising confidence, she could be a dark horse to watch at the 2025 Australian Open, aiming for a breakout performance.
Diana Shnaider (Russia)
Diana Shnaider had an exceptional breakthrough season in 2024, capturing four singles titles across all three surfaces: hard courts in Hua Hin and Hong Kong, grass at Bad Homburg, and clay in Budapest. Known for her aggressive play and heavy forehand, Shnaider’s rapid rise to the Top 15 has established her as one of the brightest young talents in women’s tennis. Her run to the fourth round at the US Open marked her first appearance beyond the third round at a major, and she will be keen to build on this momentum, aiming for a deeper run at the 2025 Australian Open.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, the main storyline heading into the 2025 Australian Open will be whether Aryna Sabalenka can make history by winning an unprecedented third consecutive title. She enters the tournament with high expectations, but she will face stiff competition from a number of key contenders. With the likes of Iga Świątek, Coco Gauff, and others all vying for the title, it promises to be a fascinating two weeks of tennis. The race for the championship is wide open, and it will be thrilling to see who emerges as the 2025 Australian Open champion.