Sinner and Sabalenka Lead Australian Open 2025 Draw; Djokovic and Alcaraz Eye Possible Quarterfinals

Melbourne, Jan 9 (NationPress) The reigning champions Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka are set to headline the men’s and women’s singles draws, revealing a star-studded field for the 2025 Australian Open on Thursday at Melbourne Park.

The world’s top player, Sinner, who captured his first Australian Open title last year, will begin his quest against Chilean Nicolas Jarry in the opening round. After an impressive 2024 season, Sinner aims to reinforce his status as the leading player on the ATP Tour.

Meanwhile, ten-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic faces a challenging first match against wildcard Nishesh Basavareddy, a promising talent from the United States. The Serbian star is eager to regain the title he last won in 2023 and could encounter third-seeded Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling quarterfinal showdown.

Alcaraz, aiming to achieve a Career Grand Slam, begins his campaign against Kazakhstan’s Alexander Shevchenko. The Spaniard shares the draw's upper half with second-seeded Alexander Zverev, who will face French wildcard Lucas Pouille in his first match.

Fourth seed Taylor Fritz, the runner-up at the 2024 US Open, will compete against fellow American Jenson Brooksby in the opening round. Fritz is positioned in the same half as Sinner, potentially setting up a rematch of their exhilarating 2024 US Open final in the semifinals.

Three-time Australian Open finalist Daniil Medvedev, seeded fifth, will challenge Thai wildcard Kasidit Samrej in his first match. Medvedev's quarter includes Fritz, making it a highly competitive segment of the draw.

World No. 1 Sabalenka is on the verge of making history as she begins her title defense against former US Open champion Sloane Stephens. Sabalenka aims to become the first woman since Martina Hingis (1997-99) to claim three consecutive titles at the Australian Open.

Second-seeded Iga Swiatek, the current French Open champion, will face Czech veteran Katerina Siniakova in her first match. Swiatek, known for her consistent performance in majors, is expected to encounter fourth-seeded Jasmine Paolini in the semifinals.

Third seed Coco Gauff is set to battle compatriot and former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin in an exciting first-round match. Gauff, who secured her first Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open, could potentially meet Sabalenka in a highly anticipated semifinal.

China’s fifth-seeded Zheng Qinwen will start her journey against a qualifier. As the runner-up to Sabalenka last year, Zheng is eager to advance further in her pursuit of Grand Slam success.

The second round of the Australian Open will commence on January 15.