The 2025 Australian Open will begin on January 12 and end on January 26. The first Grand Slam of the season is really physically exhausting due to the temperatures and the players have to prepare very well during the pre-season to play their best tennis ‘Down Under’.

It is no secret that the top favorite in the men’s draw will once again be Jannik Sinner, who will try to defend the title won at Melbourne Park in 2024. The world No. 1 – who is already certain to stay at the top of the ATP rankings even after the AO – has been simply unstoppable this year, totaling 73 wins and suffering only 6 defeats.

The level of the Italian ace is even higher on the hard courts and only a few opponents are able to put him in trouble at this stage of his career. His main rival should be Carlos Alcaraz, who won two Grand Slam titles in 2024 and is capable of reaching really high peaks.

However, the 21-year-old from Murcia does not have the same consistency as Jannik and has never played his best tennis in Australia so far. The world number 3 had to miss the 2023 edition of the Happy Slam due to injury and was defeated by Sascha Zverev in the quarterfinals this year.

Fans and insiders expect great things from the German champion, who is still trying to win the first Major title of his career. Alexander raised his level in the second half of 2024, winning the Rolex Paris Masters and overtaking Alcaraz in the ATP ranking.

No one can afford to underestimate Novak Djokovic, who has won this tournament ten times. Although he didn’t have a great season, the Serbian legend is still motivated and has hired Andy Murray as his new coach. Further back Daniil Medvedev, finalist in Melbourne in 2021, 2022 and 2024, who is going through the most delicate moment of his entire career.

In the women’s draw, the two main favorites are certainly Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek. There is great curiosity about Elena Rybakina and Emma Raducanu, who plan to return very high in 2025.

Henman on his 2025 Australian Open’s favorites

In a recent interview with Sky Sports, former ATP ace Tim Henman revealed his 2025 Australian Open’s favorites: “I probably will go on form. I think on the women’s side, I think Sabalenka was rightly the player of 2024. She played so well on hard courts and has such a big game.

I think she has got rid of some of the serving issues on second serve, so I think she is definitely the player to beat.”

Tim also added: “In the men’s Alcaraz and Sinner are the favorites but Djokovic has won 10 down there, he knows what it takes. With Murray in his corner it will be interesting to see how he fares.”

Henman urged everyone not to underestimate a legend like Djokovic, who will try to win the 25th Major title of his glorious career.

Nole and Andy together

It is true that the Serbian is almost 38 years old, but he is still capable of playing great tennis as he showed at the Paris Olympics this summer. His decision to hire Murray as coach has left everyone speechless, but it certifies his desire to continue playing at the highest level.

No one expected Andy to return to the tour so soon, having retired from professional tennis just a few months ago. The 3-time Grand Slam champion had also been contacted by other players but had refused, before being called by his friend and former rival Nole. Everyone is curious to see if their collaboration will work or not and the 2025 AOs will immediately be a huge test.

“I was a little bit surprised from Andy’s point of view from having just retired in August he is going to be back on tour. It will be interesting to see how long that partnership lasts for” – Henman explained in the same interview.

“I am guessing it’s just the off season and the Australian Open and then probably see how it goes from there. I think from Djokovic’s point of view it’s probably a smart move.

Andy knows all the opponents Djokovic is going to be up against. Andy has always been a great tactician and been very good strategically so it’s another interesting element to watch out for” – he concluded.

Before the Happy Slam, the former world No.1 will play the Brisbane International in early January (but Murray is not expected to be present in his box). Novak will also play some exhibition matches at Melbourne Park in the week leading up to the AO.