Australian Open: Top Contenders, Dark Horses, and Key Matchups

Get ready for the Australian Open with previews of top contenders Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka, plus dark horses and key matchups.

Nick Kyrgios's impressive start to the Australian Open has boosted local hopes, but the favourites' list remains unchanged. Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and Carlos Alcaraz continue to top the list of contenders for the title.

Kyrgios's strong performance has ignited excitement among Australian fans, who are eager to see him make a deep run in the tournament. However, the trio of Sinner, Djokovic, and Alcaraz remains the most likely to contend for the championship.

Djokovic, a nine-time Australian Open champion, is seeking to extend his record in Melbourne. Alcaraz, the young Spanish sensation, is looking to build on his impressive 2022 season. Sinner, meanwhile, has been steadily rising through the ranks and is considered a dark horse contender for the title.

While Kyrgios's local support and talent make him a formidable opponent, the experience and skill of Sinner, Djokovic, and Alcaraz give them an edge in the competition. As the tournament progresses, it will be interesting to see if Kyrgios can maintain his momentum and challenge the favourites for the title.

Nick Kyrgios is generating significant attention as he prepares for his highly anticipated comeback. Despite having played only two matches since October 2022, the Australian star has been diligently training in recent months, particularly in Brisbane, where he impressed in the doubles alongside Novak Djokovic.

Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam winner, praised his doubles partner, saying, “It was amazing. I'm glad I was able to share the court with him on his return.” Notably, the two players have had a complicated past, with a history of disagreements. However, their on-court partnership in Brisbane was a successful one.

Kyrgios' preparation for the singles competition was marked by a tense match against Giovanni Mpethsi Perricard, which he ultimately lost in a third-set tiebreaker. This outcome may have raised concerns about Kyrgios' readiness for the tournament, given his recent fitness struggles.

Kyrgios' last Grand Slam appearance was at the 2022 US Open, where he reached the quarterfinals. However, his participation in the upcoming tournament was cast in doubt when he announced that he was struggling with his fitness once again, just before the event began. As a result, his start will remain uncertain until the last minute.

Djokovic's Quest for History

Novak Djokovic, the seemingly ageless tennis legend, has been working with his former rival Andy Murray since the start of the new season. In a humorous remark, Murray joked, “Now I'm here to sabotage his chances of winning again,” referencing their past encounters in Melbourne, where Djokovic beat him four times in the final.

On a more serious note, Murray praised Djokovic's exceptional athleticism and tennis prowess, stating, “Novak is not only one of the best tennis players of all time, but more importantly one of the best athletes of all time.” Djokovic's impressive career statistics support Murray's assertion, with the Serbian tennis player aiming to win his 11th Australian Open title and 25th Grand Slam in Melbourne.

There's always one on a group assignment, isn't there... 😆@djokernole • @andy_murray • @vika7 • #AO2025 pic.twitter.com/v5SibuOwP5

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 9, 2025

Djokovic's dominance at Melbourne Park is underscored by his remarkable 91% win rate. As he competes for another title, he will also be chasing a milestone 100th tournament title of his career. With his experience, skill, and athleticism, Djokovic will undoubtedly be a formidable opponent for all contenders at the Australian Open.

Sinner Faces Hostile Environment in Australia

Jannik Sinner will be under intense pressure in Australia, particularly due to the controversy surrounding his doping case. Nick Kyrgios, the world number one's critic, publicly expressed his disapproval, stating, “Whether it was an accident or a plan, it's ridiculous.” Kyrgios further questioned the Italian's innocence, saying, “If he did nothing wrong, why did they take away his points and prize money? No, I won't keep quiet about it.”

Sinner's recent successes, including his first Grand Slam trophy in Melbourne and a second in New York, will be overshadowed by the criticism. A potential clash with Kyrgios, which the Australian eagerly anticipates, can only occur in the final. Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev of Germany, last year's semi-finalist, is the second-seeded player at the Melbourne Grand Slam.

However, more attention will be focused on Spain's Carlos Alcaraz, who has expressed his desire to win the Grand Slam in Melbourne. In an interview with Spanish newspaper Marca, Alcaraz said, “Yes, my goal is to win the Grand Slam in Melbourne.” If he achieves this, he will complete a career slam and become the youngest player in history to do so. Nevertheless, Alcaraz is aware that he may face Novak Djokovic as early as the quarter-finals, a challenging hurdle in his pursuit of victory.

Sabalenka Aims to Extend Unbeaten Streak

Aryna Sabalenka is the top contender on the women's side, boasting an impressive 14-match unbeaten run in Melbourne. The Belarusian has dominated the previous two editions, claiming back-to-back titles. Last year, Sabalenka faced China's Zheng Qinwen in the final, but this year, she is expected to face stiffer competition from Poland's Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff of the USA.

Other notable players to watch include Naomi Osaka, a two-time Melbourne champion (2019 and 2021), who has shown impressive form in her comeback season after pregnancy. Additionally, Karolina Muchova, seeded 30th, is considered a dark horse in the competition, capable of causing upsets and making a deep run in the tournament.