Australian Open 2025: key players and matches to watch

The Australian Open is back, and tennis fans are eager to see who will emerge as the champion in 2025. Last year, Jannik Sinner amazed everyone by clinching his first Grand Slam title in a dramatic five-set victory over Daniil Medvedev. Coming back after losing the first two sets, Sinner’s triumph was a defining moment in his young career. His win also ended Novak Djokovic’s reign as the defending champion, with Djokovic falling to Sinner in the semifinals.

Betting fans are heavily split on who will dominate this year, with Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Djokovic leading the odds. Sportsbooks have fueled the excitement by releasing enticing odds and promotions, such as bet365 sign-up bonuses, to engage even more fans. Sinner, Alcaraz, and Djokovic each have strong cases to win. In 2024, Sinner and Alcaraz shared the spotlight with two Grand Slam titles each, though Sinner led the pack with eight titles overall and a stunning 73–6 record. All eyes now turn to Melbourne to see how these stars perform under pressure.

Jannik Sinner: The Man to Beat

Jannik Sinner had an unforgettable 2024 season. Winning the Australian Open was just the beginning of his remarkable year. He ended the season by leading Italy to their second consecutive Davis Cup title. Sinner also achieved something extraordinary by completing the entire season without a single straight-set defeat — a feat only matched by Roger Federer in 2005 during the Open Era. 

At just 23 years old, Sinner became the youngest man to win both hard-court majors in the same year, the Australian Open and the US Open. With odds of +175, Sinner enters the 2025 Australian Open as the favourite, ready to defend his crown and add to his growing legacy.

Carlos Alcaraz: The Challenger

Carlos Alcaraz showed his skill and resilience throughout 2024. Although he didn’t match Sinner’s title count, he had some key victories in their head-to-head battles. One of his standout moments was defeating Sinner in the Roland Garros semi-finals, followed by a dominant performance in the Beijing final. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Carlos Alcaraz Garfia (@carlitosalcarazz)

Alcaraz also claimed the Wimbledon title by beating Novak Djokovic, proving he can deliver on the biggest stages. However, Djokovic turned the tables at the Olympics, defeating Alcaraz in a final watched by 7.7 million viewers. It was a fierce contest of endurance and mental strength, cementing their rivalry. 

Djokovic has won four of their seven matches, but Alcaraz holds a 2-1 edge in Grand Slam meetings. If they meet in the Australian Open 2025, it is expected to be among the most viewed games of the year. Alcaraz is expected to be a top contender in Melbourne, and his odds of +333 reflect his growing stature in the sport.

Novak Djokovic: The Legend

Novak Djokovic may not have won a Grand Slam in 2024, but he still had a historic year. He captured the Olympic gold medal, completing a Golden Slam — a rare achievement in tennis. At 37, Djokovic is still a force to be reckoned with. He’s won the Australian Open ten times, more than anyone else in history. 

Djokovic has also brought in Andy Murray as his new coach, which could add a fresh perspective to his game. Despite his age, Djokovic remains one of the most dangerous players on the tour. His odds of +350 show that many still believe he can win in Melbourne.

Daniil Medvedev: The Consistent Fighter

Daniil Medvedev had a strong 2024, reaching the Australian Open final and pushing Sinner to five sets. The Russian star is known for his unorthodox style and relentless defense. While he didn’t win a Grand Slam last year, Medvedev remains a top player on hard courts. With odds of +1000, he’s not the favourite, but he’s always a threat to go far in the tournament.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Australian Open promises some incredible match-ups. The rivalry between Sinner and Alcaraz is one of the biggest stories in tennis right now. Fans are eager to see if Sinner can defend his title or if Alcaraz will claim his first Australian Open. Djokovic’s return is another big storyline. Can he win an 11th title in Melbourne? Medvedev has something to prove and the skills to pull off big wins. 

As the tournament begins, fans will be glued to the action, waiting to see who will emerge as the champion. Will it be Sinner, Alcaraz, Djokovic, or someone new? One thing is certain — the Australian Open is set to deliver some unforgettable tennis moments.