The Australian Open 2025 could mark the first Grand Slam final showdown between rising stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Alcaraz, 21, and Sinner, 23, have been emerging figures in men’s tennis, succeeding the “big four” of Federer, Djokovic, Nadal, and Murray. Despite their impressive performances, they have never faced each other in a Grand Slam final. The two will line up on opposite ends of the draw at the Australian Open, which starts on Sunday, meaning a potential final clash.
Alcaraz holds a 6-4 lead in head-to-head matchups, but Sinner, according to former Australian pro John Millman, is more suited to the blue hardcourts of Melbourne. “Jannik Sinner is not just the best player in the world right now, he’s the best hard court player as well,” Millman said.
Other strong contenders include Alex Zverev, Taylor Fritz, and Novak Djokovic, who at 37 is still a force in the game and is now coached by Murray. Zverev, the controversial world No. 2, made headlines last year after settling a €200,000 ($332,000) claim with his child’s mother, though the agreement involved no admission of guilt. At 27, he is yet to win a Grand Slam final.
Daniil Medvedev, who lost in last year’s final to Sinner in a five-set thriller, is also in the mix but has a less favorable chance after his wife, Daria, gave birth to their second child this week.
In the women’s draw, Aryna Sabalenka is the heavy favorite. The 26-year-old won last year’s Australian Open by defeating Zheng Qinwen 6-3, 6-2 in the final without losing a set. Millman pointed out that while Czech star Karolina Muchova could make a deep run, Sabalenka’s biggest challenge may come from 20-year-old American Coco Gauff, currently ranked No. 3 and with a US Open title under her belt. “She moves incredibly well and is adding more power to her shots,” Millman added.
Millman also highlighted Australian youngsters Emerson Jones, 16, and Maya Joint, 18, as ones to watch. Jones, the world’s top junior player, faces a tough first-round match against world No. 6 Elena Rybakina, while Joint will meet former US Open finalist Jessica Pegula. Millman believes the experience will be vital for their future.
The Australian men’s contingent is stronger than the women’s, with Alex de Minaur, Alexei Popyrin, and Jordan Thompson all in the top 30. Nick Kyrgios, despite injury concerns, is set to play against British qualifier Jacob Fearnley in the first round. De Minaur enters the tournament with his highest-ever ranking but could face Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarter-finals. “He’s always been very speedy and a great returner, but he’s now filling out his frame and hitting bigger,” Millman said.
Finally, keep an eye on French prospect Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. The 21-year-old, towering like an AFL ruckman, caught attention with his win over Kyrgios in Brisbane last month, where he hit twice as many aces as Kyrgios. Perricard, an exciting new talent, could be one to watch closely at this year’s Open.
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