MELBOURNE, Australia – Get ready for the 2025 Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year! This guide will cover the essential information for fans looking to follow the tournament, including how to tune in, the latest betting odds, match times and a preview of the reigning champions.
The long-awaited draw to establish the tables for the women’s and men’s singles competitions is scheduled for Thursday in Australia (Wednesday in EST). With Melbourne being 14 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time, games starting Sunday morning in Australia will match Saturday night in New York. Typically, day games start at 11 a.m. local time (7 p.m. EST), while night games start at 7 p.m. local time (3 a.m. EST).
– In the United States, fans can follow all the action live on ESPN and the Tennis Channel.
– Find viewing options in other countries ici.
Read more:
Novak Djokovic Celebrated Christmas in Melbourne Ahead of Australian Open
Defending champions Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner are once again favorites to win the title, according to odds compiled by BetMGM Sportsbook. Sabalenka, who has won the last two Australian Opens as well as the recent US Open, is listed at +225. Right behind her, 2023 U.S. Open champion Coco Gauff is listed at +300. Following this, number 2 Iga Swiatek, who has five Grand Slam titles but has yet to add an Australian Open trophy to her collection, is currently at +500. Meanwhile, 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina is listed at +800. On the men’s side, Sinner, who won his first Grand Slam title at Melbourne Park last year as well as another at the U.S. Open, has odds of +140, ahead of the four-time Grand Slam winner Slam Carlos Alcaraz at +333 and 24-time champion Novak Djokovic at +450. The fourth pick is Alexander Zverev at +900.
Read more:
Alexander Bublik criticizes Nadal and Murray’s retirements as a ‘circus’
The Australian Open takes place on outdoor hard courts at the famous Melbourne Park. Women’s matches are played best of three sets, while men compete in best of five sets. The tournament spans 15 exciting days and features retractable roofs on its three main courts: Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and John Cain Arena.
Last year, Aryna Sabalenka won her second consecutive title at Melbourne Park, outclassing Zheng Qinwen 6-3, 6-2 in the final. As for Jannik Sinner, he triumphed against 10-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic in a dramatic semifinal before sealing the title against Daniil Medvedev with a 3-6, 3- comeback victory. 6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3.
Think you know your Australian Open history? The Associated Press has designed a fun quiz to test your knowledge: submit your answers quickly to climb the leaderboard!
Here’s what you also need to know:
- Novak Djokovic still struggles with feelings of ‘trauma’ linked to his experiences of deportation to Australia.
- The reigning men’s champion, Jannik Sinner, has had a chaotic journey throughout 2024.
- Iga Swiatek served a temporary suspension for doping last season.
- Coco Gauff is on cloud nine after winning the last major title of 2024.
- Jenson Brooksby opened up to the AP about his autism ahead of his first Grand Slam return in two years.
- Aryna Sabalenka added a US Open trophy to her collection in 2024, adding to her two titles at Melbourne Park.
- Rafael Nadal has now joined his legendary compatriot Roger Federer in retirement.
This year, the total prize money at the Australian Open exploded to a record 96.5 million Australian dollars (about $60 million). Each singles champion will walk away with 3.5 million Australian dollars (approximately $2.15 million), up from 3.15 million Australian dollars (approximately $1.95 million) last year, but still below the pre-pandemic peak of A$4.12 million ($2.55 million) in 2020.
Looking to the future, Aryna Sabalenka will be aiming for her third consecutive ladies’ singles title at Melbourne Park, a performance last achieved by Martina Hingis from 1997 to 1999.
On the men’s side, Novak Djokovic remains tied with Margaret Court for the most Grand Slam singles titles, with 24. A victory would allow him to claim sole ownership of this historic record.
Stay tuned for the latest updates as the Australian Open unfolds!
