Two-time Australian Open defending champion and women’s world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka will play No. 14 Mirra Andreeva this evening in the Round of 16. Last time the pair met, on the court at the 2024 French Open, the 17-year-old Andreeva managed to defeat an ill Sabalenka with a 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 6-4 win. This time around, however, it appears Sabalenka is in good health. The two face off tonight in Rod Laver Arena, starting around 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT.
Here’s everything you need to know about tuning into the Aryna Sabalenka vs. Mirra Andreeva match, along with the full tournament schedule, where to stream the Australian Open, how to watch matches for free and more.
Date: Saturday, Jan. 18
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT
Game: Aryna Sabalenka vs. Mirra Andreeva
Location: Melbourne Park, Melbourne, AU – Rod Laver Arena
Channel: ESPN2, ESPN Deportes
Streaming: ESPN+, Sling and more
Australian Open’s defending champ Aryna Sabalenka will face Mirra Andreeva in the Fourth Round of the tournament today. The match will take place in Rod Laver Arena at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT.
This evening’s Aryna Sabalenka vs. Mirra Andreeva match will stream on ESPN+. Select coverage of tonight’s Australian Open matches will also air on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.
On top of airing on ESPN, this year’s Australian grand slam will stream live on ESPN+, so if you don’t want to pay for a pricey cable or streaming package that includes ESPN, this is a budget-friendly alternative. An ESPN+ subscription grants you access to exclusive ESPN+ content including live events like UFC Fight Night and F1 races, fantasy sports tools and premium ESPN+ articles. You can stream ESPN+ through an app on your smart TV, phone, tablet, computer and on ESPN.com.
While Sling doesn’t offer a free trial, it’ll get you through the entirety of the Australian Open for as low as $23 for the first month. Sling TV’s Orange plan offers ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN3. While Sling Orange doesn’t include access to your local ABC, a TV antenna may help fill that gap for you. A Sling subscription also includes 50 hours of free DVR storage, so if you’re worried about missing any of the grand slam action, you can always record your games.
Hulu’s live TV tier includes access to live TV channels ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC, plus ESPN+ and ad-supported Disney+, meaning you can watch the Australian Open across almost every channel airing coverage in the US, plus tune in via ESPN+ — and enjoy over 95 other channels. You’ll also enjoy access to unlimited DVR storage. Hulu + Live TV starts at $83/month after the free trial period.
Day matches start at 7 p.m. ET, with more matches rolling in at 8 p.m. ET, not before 9 p.m ET and not before 11 p.m. ET. Night sessions start at 3 a.m. ET.
Jan. 18-19:
Fourth Round (Women and Men)
Jan. 20-21:
Quarterfinals (Women and Men)
Jan. 22-23:
Women’s Semifinals
Jan. 23-24:
Men’s Semifinals
Jan. 25:
Women’s Final
Jan. 26:
Men’s Final
Here are the 2025 Australian Open seeds:
Men:
1. Jannik Sinner
2. Alexander Zverev
3. Carlos Alcaraz
4. Taylor Fritz
5. Daniil Medvedev
6. Casper Ruud
7. Novak Djokovic
8. Alex de Minaur
9. Andrey Rublev
10. Grigor Dimitrov
11. Stefanos Tsitsipas
12. Tommy Paul
13. Holger Rune
14. Ugo Humbert
15. Jack Draper
16. Lorenzo Musetti
17. Frances Tiafoe
18. Hubert Hurkacz
19. Karen Khachanov
20. Arthur Fils
21. Ben Shelton
22. Sebastian Korda
23. Alejandro Tabilo
24. Jiri Lehecka
25. Alexei Popyrin
26. Tomas Machac
27. Jordan Thompson
28. Sebastian Baez
29. Felix Auger-Aliassime
30. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard
31. Francisco Cerundolo
32. Flavio Cobolli
Women:
1. Aryna Sabalenka
2. Iga Swiatek
3. Coco Gauff
4. Jasmine Paolini
5. Qinwen Zheng
6. Elena Rybakina
7. Jessica Pegula
8. Emma Navarro
9. Daria Kasatkina
10. Danielle Collins
11. Paula Badosa
12. Diana Shnaider
13. Anna Kalinskaya
14. Mirra Andreeva
15. Beatriz Haddad Maia
16. Jelena Ostapenko
17. Marta Kostyuk
18. Donna Vekic
19. Madison Keys
20. Karolina Muchova
21. Victoria Azarenka
22. Katie Boulter
23. Magdalena Frech
24. Yulia Putintseva
25. Liudmila Samsonova
26. Ekaterina Alexandrova
27. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
28. Elina Svitolina
29. Linda Noskova
30. Leylah Fernandez
31. Maria Sakkari
32. Dayana Yastremska
Are you ready for an exciting showdown at the Australian Open 2025? Today, Aryna Sabalenka will face off against Mirra Andreeva in what promises to be a thrilling match. If you’re eager to catch all the action live, here’s how you can watch the match:
1. TV Broadcast: Check your local sports channels or streaming platforms to see if they are airing the Australian Open matches. Tune in at the scheduled time to catch the Sabalenka vs. Andreeva match.
2. Online Streaming: If you prefer to watch the match online, you can stream it on platforms like ESPN, Tennis Channel, or the official Australian Open website. Simply log in with your cable provider information or purchase a subscription to access the live stream.
3. Social Media: Follow the official Australian Open social media accounts for updates, highlights, and live coverage of the match. You may also find fan pages or groups sharing updates and discussing the game as it unfolds.
4. Radio Broadcast: If you’re on the go or prefer to listen to the match, tune in to sports radio stations that are covering the Australian Open. You can stay updated on the score and commentary while on the move.
Don’t miss out on this exciting match between Aryna Sabalenka and Mirra Andreeva at the Australian Open 2025. Grab your snacks, settle into your favorite viewing spot, and get ready to witness some incredible tennis action. Let’s see who comes out on top in this epic showdown!
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Australian Open 2025, Aryna Sabalenka vs. Mirra Andreeva, live stream, watch online, tennis match, Grand Slam, tournament, player analysis, match preview, schedule, results, ranking, Australian Open 2025 live.
#Australian #Open #watch #Aryna #Sabalenka #Mirra #Andreeva #match #today
Follow The Athletic’s Australian Open coverage
Welcome to the Australian Open briefing, where The Athletic will explain the stories behind the stories on each day of the tournament.
On day six, Aryna Sabalenka showed some vulnerability, coffee was a talking point and two players set up a fascinating rematch.
Just like last year, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka is through to the fourth round of the Australian Open without dropping a set. But that’s pretty much where the similarities end.
Twelve months ago, defending champion Sabalenka posted wins with scorelines of 6-0, 6-1; 6-3, 6-2; and 6-0, 6-0 to get this far. She looked invincible. Her aura helped her carry on that form into the tournament’s second week and she duly retained her title without dropping a set.
Things feel different now.
Sabalenka has looked shaky for long stretches of all three of her matches in the 2025 edition. On Friday, she had to overcome a pretty dismal serving performance in a 7-6(5), 6-4 win over the unseeded Clara Tauson. Sabalenka was broken four times in the first set and appeared to struggle with her timing on a sweaty Melbourne afternoon, spraying errors that momentarily made her look like a mile away from an all-conquering world No. 1.
The other way to frame it is that Sabalenka showed great mental resolve to grind out the win. It was the kind of match she might well have lost a few years ago and she spoke of how proud she was of her mental effort during her on-court interview.
For the rest of the field, the struggles of this event’s would-be three-in-a-row champ at least provide a glimmer of hope that she might be beatable here. It’s equally possible that Sabalenka is just getting into her stride, ready to return to her formidable best in the second week.
Don’t tell Mirra Andreeva — her next opponent. Or the other 14 players left in the women’s draw.
GO DEEPER
‘I can be the best player in the world’: Aryna Sabalenka crowns the season of her life
Charlie Eccleshare
After a smooth 6-0, 6-2 win over Rebecca Sramkova, Iga Swiatek had the Melbourne crowd in the palm of her hand for her on-court interview.
Speaking about another of their favorite subjects seemed like a safe bet.
How is the coffee in the Australian Open’s host city — which Swiatek declared she loved 12 months ago?
“In Sydney, I found better,” Swiatek replied.
After an on-court performance backed by the controlled aggression and relentless defense that took her to the top of the tennis world in 2022, this was an egregiously unforced error.
Alex de Minaur, who is from Sydney, demurred in the face of the same question. “There’s no better place for coffee than Australia,” the ATP world No. 8 said after beating Tristan Boyer 6-2, 6-4, 6-3.
Perhaps fortunately for Swiatek, the Australian Open coffee wars have moved on from the players to the fans. With the tournament posting attendances of over 80,000 every day and over 90,000 on the majority of them, there needs to be a lot of coffee available. A 99-acre site with 15 coffee shops seems limited, and a Reuters report details disgruntled coffee-seekers purportedly walking “kilometers” to get their hands on some.
Coffee demand oscillates with the Melbourne weather; on hotter and drier days, the lines at bars for beer, wine, soft drinks and water are longer than those for coffee, but the wetter days in the early part of the tournament gave more cause for seeking out hot drinks.
This year’s provider is Urban Cup, which Tennis Australia describes as a pop-up coffee stall. It has no web presence and no recognizable connection to Melbourne, which for a city with myriad world-renowned coffee brands is something of a surprise.
Lavazza, a fixture of coffee sponsorships at tennis’ other three Grand Slam events, is in espresso hoppers in the media areas, but conspicuous by its absence around the wider grounds.
James Hansen
The 2025 Australian Open has not been a tournament of upsets so far, and fans are already seeing the benefits, with numerous tight matches between two top-20 players in the third round.
On Friday, No. 18 seed Donna Vekic and No. 12 seed Diana Shnaider treated Melbourne Park to a fiercely competitive three-setter, that Vekic won 7-6(4), 6-7(3), 7-5 in almost three hours.
In an undulating contest, Shnaider served for the match up 5-3 in the final set but was broken and didn’t win another game as Vekic powered towards the finishing line. With Pam Shriver, one of her coaches, 7,000 miles away in Los Angeles, Vekic has navigated tough early matches with calm assurance.
At around the same time, the No. 11 seed Paula Badosa edged out No. 17 seed Marta Kostyuk 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.
The draws on the men’s and women’s side look pretty stacked for the fourth round, the benefits of which should massively outweigh the lack of week one upsets so far. Qualifier Learner Tien’s stunning win over men’s No. 5 seed Daniil Medvedev and Laura Siegemund’s ousting of women’s No. 5 seed Zheng Qinwen remained outliers until late Friday night, when Olga Danilovic put on a stirring performance to knock out No. 7 seed and U.S. Open finalist Jessica Pegula, 7-6(3), 6-1.
Novak Djokovic, who preceded Danilovic on Rod Laver Arena and beat Tomas Machac, watched her match point on a big screen and raised his arms aloft when it was over. Danilovic equals her best run at a major by reaching the fourth round; the last time she did it was at the 2024 French Open.
GO DEEPER
American qualifier Learner Tien beats Daniil Medvedev in stunning Australian Open upset
Charlie Eccleshare
Another star of the coming new generation in men’s tennis fell out of the draw Friday.
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina saved a match point and climbed back from two sets down to beat Jakub Mensik, the big and talented 19-year-old. This was a day after Lorenzo Sonego took out the phenom Joao Fonseca, also in five sets.
Those losses took some air out of the newness balloon floating over the grounds the past week. Take heart: Davidovich Fokina’s win sets up a rematch of a crazy five-set battle he had here two years ago with Tommy Paul, two athletic and sometimes flashy players capable of putting on a show.
That five-set rollercoaster unfolded on Court 7, in front of maybe a few hundred people in the second round. It’s all but forgotten in tennis history, except for those involved.
Paul’s eyes lit up at the memory on Friday. He came back from a two-sets-to-one deficit that day and ended up making the semifinals. “The level of that match, if it was on a stadium court, that would have been talked about, but we were on an outside court,” he said. “It was a high level all the way around.”
May it be once more.
GO DEEPER
The generational shift in men’s tennis comes to the Australian Open
Matt Futterman
Carlos Alcaraz has been missing from this tournament’s highlight reel, until now.
Tell us what you noticed on the sixth day…
(Top photo of Sabalenka: Getty Images; design: Eamonn Dalton)
The Australian Open has been filled with thrilling matches and surprising outcomes so far, but one of the biggest takeaways has been Aryna Sabalenka’s unexpected vulnerability on the court. Known for her powerful game and fiery demeanor, Sabalenka has struggled to find her rhythm in Melbourne, leading to early exits in both singles and doubles.
Despite being one of the top seeds in the tournament, Sabalenka has been unable to make a deep run, raising questions about her mental toughness and ability to handle the pressure of Grand Slam events. It’s clear that the Belarusian star still has some work to do to reach her full potential and become a consistent contender at the highest level of the sport.
Meanwhile, off the court, the Melbourne coffee wars have intensified as players and fans alike vie for the best brew in town. With so many trendy cafes and artisan roasters to choose from, the competition for the title of “best coffee in Melbourne” is fierce. Whether you prefer a classic flat white or a trendy cold brew, there’s no shortage of options to satisfy your caffeine cravings during the tournament.
As the Australian Open continues to unfold, it’s clear that both on and off the court, there are plenty of surprises and storylines to keep fans entertained. Stay tuned for more exciting action and drama as the tournament reaches its thrilling conclusion.
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#Australian #Open #takeaways #Aryna #Sabalenka #shows #vulnerability #Melbourne #coffee #wars #intensify
Top seed Aryna Sabalenka continued her bid for a third consecutive Australian Open title with victory over Denmark’s Clara Tauson in straight sets.
The 26-year-old Belarusian was made to work for her 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 win on Rod Laver Arena but secured victory in two hours six minutes to progress to the fourth round.
There were 11 breaks of serve in a match of rapidly shifting momentum at Melbourne Park.
“That was a great battle,” said Sabalenka.
“She played unbelievable tennis. It was really tough to play against her today.
“I’m just super happy that I was able to just stay in the game and I was able to push myself, honestly, to the limit to get this win.”
Eight of the 11 breaks of serve came in the first set as both players grappled for momentum, Tauson earning the first service hold of the match in the eighth game.
After Sabalenka broke back for a fourth time, Tauson, 22, saved four set points to force a tie-break but the world number one eventually took her chance at the fifth opportunity to seal the opening set with a thunderous forehand.
The second set followed a similar pattern as Sabalenka struggled to find a first serve but she eventually broke in the ninth game, the longest of the match which featured seven deuces, then served for the win to secure a 17th consecutive victory in Melbourne.
Despite three tough matches, Sabalenka progresses to the second week at Melbourne Park having not dropped a set and with a 30th victory in 31 matches in hard-court Slams since the start of 2023.
Sabalenka will face Poland’s Magdalena Frech or teenage 14th seed Mirra Andreeva in the next round.
In a thrilling match at the Australian Open 2025, Aryna Sabalenka has advanced to the fourth round after a hard-fought win against her opponent. The Belarusian player showed her determination and skill on the court, battling through tough points to secure the victory.
Fans were on the edge of their seats as Sabalenka showcased her powerful serves and aggressive playing style, putting pressure on her opponent from the start. With her strong forehand shots and strategic play, she was able to outmaneuver her opponent and secure the crucial points when it mattered most.
Sabalenka’s performance in this match exemplifies her resilience and fighting spirit, proving why she is a force to be reckoned with in the tennis world. As she progresses to the fourth round of the Australian Open, fans can expect more exciting matches and impressive performances from this talented player.
Stay tuned for more updates on Aryna Sabalenka’s journey in the Australian Open 2025 as she continues to showcase her skills and aim for victory on the grand stage of tennis.
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Australian Open 2025, Aryna Sabalenka, round four, tennis, tournament, results, victory, match, Australian Open results, Sabalenka progresses, Grand Slam, player, sports, competition, Australian Open round four, win, battle, Australian Open 2025 results, tennis match, Sabalenka victory, sports news
#Australian #Open #results #Aryna #Sabalenka #progresses #battling #win
The Australian Open is bubbling up nicely with the three leading women’s singles contenders all still battling for the title.
Top seed Aryna Sabalenka, second seed Iga Swiatek, and third seed Coco Gauff are all yet to drop a set in Melbourne, but the title was not the only thing at stake heading into the tournament.
All three had opportunities to end the tournament as the world No 1, with incumbent – and defending champion – Sabalenka facing the most pressure in terms of points to defend.
With two rounds of action done, we look at what’s now at stake in the battle for the top spot.
With impressive wins over Sofia Kenin and Jodie Burrage to start her campaign, Gauff is well in contention to win her second Grand Slam singles title this fortnight.
However, her (admittedly slim) chances of ending the tournament as the world No 1 are now over, thanks to Swiatek making the third round.
The American can move to a maximum of 8,108 points with a run to the title, while Swiatek has already moved to 8,120 points after matching her round three result from 2024.
That ensures Gauff cannot rise to the top of the WTA Rankings for the first time after the event, though she could still overtake Sabalenka and move back to her career-high of world No 2.
For that to happen, she would need to lift the title and hope defending champion Sabalenka does not reach the last four.
John McEnroe delivers Emma Raducanu verdict ahead of Iga Swiatek clash
Watch: Danielle Collins riles up Australian Open crowd with hilarious celebration
Having matched her round three run from 2024, Swiatek no longer has any more points to defend in Melbourne – meaning any further match wins will see her increase her total of ranking points.
In contrast, Sabalenka – ahead of Friday’s third round against Clara Tauson – still has 1,870 points to defend after earning 2000 points for her title run 12 months ago.
Now Swiatek has reached the third round, world No 1 Sabalenka must reach the semi-finals to have any chance of hanging onto her ranking.
That does not change should Swiatek progress to the fourth round and then the quarter-finals, though if the Pole reaches the semi-final, Sabalenka would then have to make the final.
Should the top two seeds then meet in the final, the winner would hold the world No 1 ranking come Monday.
Potential ranking points for Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek.
Sabalenka could move one step closer to defending her ranking and title on Friday when she faces the unseeded Tauson inside the Rod Laver Arena.
The Belarusian could then face 14th seed Mirra Andreeva in the fourth round and then 12th seed Diana Shnaider in the quarter-final – with projected opponent, fifth seed Zheng Qinwen, already out.
That could set up a semi-final against third seed Gauff, who she beat in the last four a year ago.
Having beaten Rebecca Sramkova on Thursday, Swiatek will return to court on Saturday for a round three clash against Emma Raducanu.
If she wins that match, she’ll face Jaqueline Cristian or Eva Lys in the fourth round, before a projected quarter-final against eighth seed Emma Navarro, and a semi-final versus fourth seed Jasmine Paolini.
The highly anticipated match between Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka at the upcoming tennis tournament has fans buzzing with excitement. Both players have been in top form recently, making this match a must-watch for tennis enthusiasts.
Unfortunately, rising star Coco Gauff has been knocked out of contention in the tournament, leaving fans disappointed but eager to see how Swiatek and Sabalenka will fare against each other. With their impressive skills and determination, it’s sure to be an intense and thrilling match that will keep spectators on the edge of their seats.
Stay tuned for updates on this exciting showdown between two of the best in the game!
Tags:
Iga Swiatek vs Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, tennis match, WTA, Grand Slam, women’s singles, sports news, tournament update, player analysis, match highlights
#Iga #Swiatek #Aryna #Sabalenka #Coco #Gauff #contention
Novak Djokovic suffered a surprise 7-6 (6), 6-3 defeat to Reilly Opelka in the quarter-finals of the Brisbane International on Friday while the women’s No 1, Aryna Sabalenka, cruised into the semi-finals with a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 win over Marie Bouzkova.
Djokovic was punished for a flat, impotent performance as he struggled to impose himself against an excellent Opelka. The defeat marks another missed opportunity for Djokovic as he pursues a milestone 100th title. He will now head to Melbourne to complete preparations for the Australian Open, a much greater priority, where he will meet up with Andy Murray for their first tournament together.
Opelka, meanwhile, was inspired from the beginning of the match and held his composure in the final moments as he served out to love for the biggest win of his career. Opelka stands at 6ft 11in and the American boasts one of the biggest serves in the world, which he used superbly, firing 16 aces and facing only one break point throughout.
“He’s the greatest tennis player the sport has ever seen,” said Opelka. “It’s difficult being in that position. He can scout me and the other opponents all day long. The reality is we have nothing to lose coming in against him. He’s the greatest player ever so you end up playing more free and you end up going and taking a lot more risks because it’s your only chance.
“If you play your normal level or even above your level, he’s going to win every time. It’s tough in his position because he gets guys who are good players that roll the dice. On a day like this when all the things go my way, that’s how it works out.”
The victory marks a significant step forward for Opelka, who was off the ATP tour for almost two years between 2022 and 2024 after undergoing two wrist operations and a hip surgery. Having been ranked as highly as No 17 in 2022, Opelka is currently No 293 and entering tour-level tournaments with a protected ranking as he tries to return to the top levels of the sport consistently.
“It was tough,” he said. “A lot of months, there were a lot of doubts. I definitely watched a lot of my friends on the TV, I watched Tommy [Paul], Taylor [Fritz], Frances [Tiafoe] and Ben [Shelton] do great, which was fun but also motivating for me, it definitely kept me interested in the sport. I watched Novak become the greatest and then two years on, a lot of the time you find yourself wondering: ‘What would Novak do?’ in that situation.”
Sabalenka, meanwhile, has eased into the 2025 season with a string of solid performances before her Australian Open title defence next week. She has now won 26 of her past 27 matches in Australia, a run that includes two consecutive Australian Open titles, a WTA 500 title in Adelaide and a final last year in Brisbane. She is yet to drop a set in her first three matches this year.
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Sabalenka will face a much tougher challenge in Saturday’s semi-final against the in-form 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva, who defeated Ons Jabeur 6-4, 7-6 (2). Andreeva upset Sabalenka in the quarter-finals of last year’s French Open.
“We had great battles in the past and we played an exhibition together in Abu Dhabi so I got to know her a little better,” said Sabalenka. “Nice person, great player and I always have great battles against her.
Aggressive player, serving well, moving well, hitting the ball quite clean so it’s going to be a great battle against her.”
In a shocking turn of events, Novak Djokovic suffered a surprising defeat in the quarterfinals of the Brisbane International tournament. The world number one, who was the top seed in the tournament, was upset by an unseeded opponent in a three-set thriller.
On the other hand, Aryna Sabalenka continued her impressive run in Brisbane as she breezed through to the semifinals with a dominating performance. The Belarusian player, who is seeded second in the tournament, showcased her powerful game and proved why she is considered a rising star in the women’s tennis circuit.
Djokovic’s unexpected loss has certainly shaken up the competition in Brisbane, with fans and analysts left wondering what went wrong for the Serbian superstar. Meanwhile, Sabalenka’s strong showing has solidified her status as a contender for the title.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Sabalenka as she looks to continue her winning streak and claim the championship. Stay tuned for more updates on the Brisbane International and the latest developments in the world of tennis.
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#Novak #Djokovic #crashes #Brisbane #Aryna #Sabalenka #eases #Tennis
Aryna Sabalenka is a force to be reckoned with, and she’s showing no signs of slowing down! After an incredible 2024 that saw her win two Grand Slams and snatch the World No. 1 ranking from Iga Swiatek, the tennis star’s impact is now making waves off the court too. The latest buzz? Sabalenka has joined the exclusive club of elite players under the banner of Naomi Osaka’s venture, Evolve—following in the footsteps of none other than Nick Kyrgios!
The Belarusian tennis sensation is currently enjoying her campaign at Brisbane International and has qualified for the semi-finals of the tournament. She will be facing Mirra Andreeva in the final four and would look forward to boosting her morale ahead of the Australian Open. But ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year, Sabalenka has entered into an agreement with Evolve, stylized as EVOLVE, joining several other tennis entities and becoming one of the biggest WTA names to join Osaka’s endeavor.
Taking to its official Instagram handle on Friday, Evolve announced the remarkable partnership. Captioning the story, it wrote, “Welcome to EVOLVE @arynasabalenka .” Remember, it was in 2022 when Osaka ended her partnership with IMG to launch her own sports agency, Evolve, with her agent Stuart Duguid. Since then, she has managed to work with several iconic players like Nick Kyrgios.
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It was in June 2022, when Kyrgios became one of the first tennis players to sign to Osaka’s sports agency. The Japanese tennis star had lauded the Australian sensation back then, saying, “Kyrgios embodies the types of athletes we want to work with at Evolve.” Remember, Osaka’s venture wishes to focus on aspects like brand partnerships, investing, creating athlete-owned businesses, and philanthropy. In the process, it also managed to sign a deal with Jannik Sinner’s girlfriend Anna Kalinskaya, and Tunisian star Ons Jabeur.
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“Ons is an ideal Evolve client,” Evolve co-founder Duguid said after the partnership. However, Sabalenka’s addition to the agency will help it boost the brand image further given the achievements that the World No. 1 has amassed. And as she inches closer to yet another title in Brisbane, her strength on the courts is only getting stronger. Meanwhile, besides her off-court endeavors, the Belarusian star is equally focused on her campaigns on the courts. And it is probably for this reason, that despite tasting great success, she wishes to continue improving herself.
Aryna Sabalenka proved her mettle quite strongly in 2024. She managed to remain stoic in the toughest of situations and overcame barriers with determination. But despite putting in graceful efforts, the star player does not want to leave any room for mistakes and wishes to continue improving herself as she steps into a new season.
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Speaking about the same to BBC Sports, Sabalenka said, “There are so many things to improve.” Continuing further, she added, “I’m not that good with maybe my game at the net in singles. There is a lot of things to improve in my touch game. Even my serve is not as good as I want it to be, so there is always (elements) to improve.” And it would not be wrong to say that the ongoing campaign is sort of an experiment for her ahead of a motivated run in Melbourne.
“The first tournament before the major tournament is the one where you can try it out and see what’s going to work well for you, and what’s not,” Sabalenka said earlier in the interview. As the new season kicks off, Sabalenka is clearly aiming for more than just trophies—she’s cementing herself as a global icon. Now, the question is what’s next for the remarkable Belarusian? Well, only time will tell.
Naomi Osaka Scores Big as Aryna Sabalenka Joins Nick Kyrgios to Commit to Her Groundbreaking Player Initiative
In a move that is shaking up the world of professional tennis, Naomi Osaka has scored big by getting Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios to commit to her groundbreaking player initiative. Osaka, who has been a vocal advocate for mental health and social justice issues, launched the initiative to create a platform for players to come together and address important issues facing the sport.
Sabalenka, the world No. 2 in women’s tennis, and Kyrgios, known for his fiery on-court antics and off-court activism, have both pledged their support to Osaka’s initiative. This marks a significant moment in the sport, as top players are starting to take a more active role in shaping the future of tennis.
Osaka’s initiative aims to provide a safe space for players to discuss and address issues such as mental health, diversity and inclusion, and player rights. By bringing together players from different backgrounds and experiences, Osaka hopes to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for all players on tour.
With Sabalenka and Kyrgios on board, Osaka’s initiative is gaining momentum and could potentially lead to positive changes in the sport. As more players join forces to address important issues, the future of tennis is looking brighter than ever. Osaka’s leadership and vision are truly inspiring, and her efforts are sure to have a lasting impact on the sport.
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#Naomi #Osaka #Scores #Big #Aryna #Sabalenka #Joins #Nick #Kyrgios #Commit #Groundbreaking #Player #Initiative
Aryna Sabalenka has made a major career move by leaving IMG, the agency that has represented her since 2019, to join Naomi Osaka’s sports agency, Evolve. IMG has been managing Sabalenka’s career for years, handling her sponsorships, endorsements, and other professional matters.
In 2022, Osaka parted ways with the International Management Group (IMG), a global agency specializing in sports, events, and talent management. After six years of representation, her contract with IMG ended in late 2021.
By May 2022, Osaka announced the launch of her own sports venture, Evolve, alongside Stuart Duguid, her former IMG pointman who followed suit. The venture signed its first client, Nick Kyrgios, on June 20, 2022.
On Friday, November 3, Osaka’s agency announced on Instagram that Aryna Sabalenka had joined their roster. The post featured a warm welcome, reading:
“Welcome to EVOLVE @arynasabalenka .”
Aryna Sabalenka has advanced to the semifinals of the Brisbane International, while Naomi Osaka secured her spot in the semifinals of the ASB Classic in Auckland.
Sabalenka kicked off her 2025 season in Brisbane with an impressive start. On December 31, 2024, the Belarusian secured a commanding 6-4, 6-0 victory in her opening match against Renata Zarazua.
She then faced Yulia Putintseva and emerged victorious with a hard-fought 7-6(7), 6-4 scoreline. Continuing her strong form, the World No. 1 triumphed in the quarterfinals on January 3, defeating Marie Bouzkova 6-3, 6-4. With the win, Sabalenka advanced to the semifinals against Mirra Andreeva.
Meanwhile, Naomi Osaka has made it to the semifinals at the Auckland Classic, marking her first such achievement since the Miami Open in April 2022.
Osaka claimed her first win at the ASB Classic on December 30, 2024, defeating Lina Glushko 6-4, 6-4. The Japanese continued her impressive form on January 1, overcoming Austria’s Julia Grabher with a 7-5, 6-3 victory.
On Friday, the former world No. 1 battled past unseeded Hailey Baptiste, securing a 6-7(2), 6-1, 6-2 win. She is now set to face either eighth-seeded Katie Volynets or unseeded Alycia Parks in the last four of the WTA 250 tournament on Saturday, January 4.
Once these tournaments wrap up, Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka will head to the Australian Open, which takes place from January 12 to January 26.
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Edited by Pritha Ghosh
Naomi Osaka’s Evolve, the up-and-coming sports management agency founded by tennis star Naomi Osaka herself, has made a huge splash in the industry by poaching top tennis player Aryna Sabalenka from IMG. This move is set to shake up the tennis world and solidify Evolve’s position as a major player in athlete representation.
Aryna Sabalenka, currently ranked No. 2 in the world, has been represented by IMG for several years and has seen great success under their guidance. However, it seems that she has decided to make the switch to Evolve, citing the agency’s innovative approach and focus on athlete empowerment as key factors in her decision.
This move is a significant coup for Evolve and further establishes Naomi Osaka’s agency as a force to be reckoned with in the sports management world. With two of the top female tennis players in the world on their roster, Evolve is poised to continue making waves and revolutionizing the industry.
Fans and industry insiders alike are eagerly anticipating what this partnership will bring for both Naomi Osaka and Aryna Sabalenka, and it will be exciting to see how their collaboration with Evolve will impact their careers going forward.
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The top seed and 2024 Brisbane finalist was surrounded by friends Thursday evening, from the fans in the stands to Putintseva herself, who had pushed Sabalenka to three sets only last fall at the Donfeng Voyah Wuhan Open.
“She’s an amazing player. She’s my friend, and she always pushes you to work really hard to work for every point.
Though she ultimately won in straight sets, Sabalenka was still made to battle throughout, rallying from a break down in the opening set, winning it in a tiebreaker, and steeling through the second set behind a single break of serve.
I’m a perfectionist, but I’m really happy with the level I played today, with the points I built today. Of course, I’m super happy with the win,” said Sabalenka, who thanked the crowd for sticking around for the match’s tense conclusion.
“I feel like home here.”
Sabalenka will face another test in the last eight as she aims to get revenge on Marie Bouzkova, who defeated her in three sets last summer in Washington, D.C. Still, the 26-year-old is keeping things simple on the court and when it comes to New Year’s resolutions.
“My personal resolution is to be happy, be healthy, and enjoy every moment,” she said. “I wish that for everyone.”
Brisbane International Tennis Tournament had fans on the edge of their seats as Aryna Sabalenka fought tooth and nail to secure a hard-fought victory. With Formula 1 rising star Jack Doohan in the crowd, Sabalenka showcased her determination and drive to survive in a thrilling match.
The Belarusian tennis sensation faced tough competition throughout the tournament, but she never wavered in her resolve. With Doohan cheering her on, Sabalenka put on a masterclass of power and precision, dominating her opponents with her aggressive playing style.
As Doohan looked on, Sabalenka’s performance only seemed to improve, as she unleashed thunderous serves and blistering groundstrokes to outclass her rivals. Despite facing several match points against her, Sabalenka never gave up, showing incredible mental toughness and resilience to come out on top.
With Doohan’s support and encouragement, Sabalenka proved that she is a force to be reckoned with on the tennis court. Her fighting spirit and never-say-die attitude earned her a well-deserved victory in Brisbane, and fans cannot wait to see what she will achieve next.
In a tournament filled with drama and excitement, Aryna Sabalenka stood out as a true champion, showcasing her drive to survive and emerge victorious. With Jack Doohan by her side, the sky is the limit for this talented tennis star.
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Coming up next on RAC Arena in Perth is US Open reigning champion Coco Gauff for Team USA against Donna Vekic of Croatia.
On day three of the United Cup, world No. 3 Gauff had a comprehensive win over former US Open finalist Canada’s Leylah Fernandez 6-3, 6-2.
Aryna Sabalenka’s game is finding its groove as she begins her tournament in Brisbane.
Sabalenka already has a service break against Renata Zarazúa to lead 3-0 in the first set.
To her credit, Zarazúa did have a break point in the third game, but Sabalenka eventually held serve.
The world number one will be bidding to win a third consecutive Australian Open when she arrives at Melbourne Park next month.
The scoreline doesn’t reflect just how hard Croatia’s Borna Coric made USA’s Taylor Fritz work for that victory.
The American claimed a 6-3, 6-2 win for Team USA, but it was a tough match under the sun in Perth at RAC Arena.
World number one Aryna Sabalenka is on court for her opening match in Brisbane.
The two-time defending Australian Open champion is playing Mexican Renata Zarazúa on Pat Rafter Arena.
Sabalenka enjoyed a bye in the first round.
We’ll keep you updated throughout the match.
Gun Australian junior Emerson Jones is out of the Canberra International following a straight-sets defeat to France’s Elsa Jacquemot.
Jones can take away much from her performance against the experienced Jacquemot, who won 6-2, 6-3 to reach the round of 16.
Sixteen-year-old Jones is coming off a stellar junior season in which she was runner-up at the Australian Open and Wimbledon.
Oksana Selekhmeteva, Alexandra Eala, Mananchaya Sawangkaew and Aoi Ito also moved through to the round of 16.
Disappointing result for the number four seed Spaniard, who falls to a three-set defeat to Elina Avanesyan that took over two hours on Pat Rafter Arena.
Avanesyan, the world number 43 from Armenia, won 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 in a bit of a boil over against the number 12-ranked 27-year-old.
Badosa never looked comfortable on her serve, and ended up ending the match with a double fault, a meek way for her to fall.
Well, that was another impressive day out for Italy’s Jasmine Paolini, who ran France’s Chloe Paquet off the court with a 6-0, 6-2. She had the match wrapped up in an hour.
Paquet managed to get on the board in the second set, winning two games, but Paolini controlled the tempo of the match from start to finish.
Plenty of Italian flags being waved in the air at Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney. They know they’ve got a star here.
He had to fight for it, but USA’s Taylor Fritz has claimed the first set against Croatia’s Borna Coric 6-3.
It’s hot in Perth, with Coric trying to find some shade between points. It’s making me want an iced tea just watching them sweat under the blazing sun.
One of the rising stars of Australian tennis, Emerson Jones, has a fight on her hands at the Canberra International.
The 16-year-old lost the first set to France’s Elsa Jacquemot 6-2.
She was broken twice by Jacquemot, who is ranked 159 in the world.
Jones, who hails from the Gold Coast, has enjoyed an outstanding junior career.
She reached the singles finals of the Australian Open and Wimbledon juniors this year.
Jones is ranked 373 on the WTA standings.
Rough news for Sebastian Korda this morning, the American number five seed is out of the tournament with a lower back issue.
Dušan Lajović, the Serbian world number 81, who has been ranked as high as 23, will take his place.
He gets to take on French world number 63 Arthur Cazaux.
Paula Badosa didn’t waste much time in wrapping up the second set against Elina Avanesyan.
The Spaniard won the second 6-1 to force a deciding set.
Avanesyan had earlier claimed the first 6-3.
Italy’s Jasmine Paolini made light work of France’s Chloe Paquet, winning the first set 6-0.
This match could be wrapped up very quickly.
It’s pretty wild to think Paolini, now the world No.4, had never made it past the first round of the grand slam until the Australian Open last year.
She’s right up there now.
All Italian tennis fans today:
In Sydney, Flavio Cobolli defeated France’s Ugo Humbert on day five of the United Cup to send Team Italy to the quarterfinals, while Jasmine Paolini is storming through the first set against Chloe Paquet 4-0.
Meanwhile, over at the Brisbane International, Matteo Arnaldi sent Aussie Alexei Popyrin packing with a 6-3, 6-2 victory.
Not the news Australian tennis fans want to hear but …
Alexei Popyrin has exited the Brisbane International following a straight-sets loss to Italian Matteo Arnaldi.
Arnaldi advances with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over the seventh seed.
Popyrin looked sluggish but nothing can be taken away from Arnaldi, who held serve throughout the match while breaking his opponent three times.
Losing the first set may have been the spark Paula Badosa needed in her clash with Elina Avanesyan.
Fourth-seeded Badosa has raced out to a 3-0 lead in the second set.
Avanesyan won the first, 6-3.
World No.4 Italy’s Jasmine Paolini dominated Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic with a crushing 6-1, 6-1 win on day three of the United Cup.
Now, she’s back on court to face France’s Chloe Paquet, ranked 96th in the world.
Giving that ranking differential, we could see Paolini running another muck in Sydney. But anything can happen in tennis.
And there’s a lot on the line for France. They can still progress to the quarterfinals if they finish with the highest rank of the second placers in each group.
Meanwhile, USA’s Taylor Fritz is on court against Croatia’s Borna Coric on RAC Arena.
Alexei Popyrin is down a break in the second set against Matteo Arnaldi.
Arnaldi will serve at 3-2, having earlier won the first 6-3.
Top seed Madison Keys has progressed to the round of 16 across the Tasman with a straight-sets victory over Italian Lucia Bronzetti.
Keys won 6-4, 6-4.
The world number 21 posted four aces on her way to victory, while landing 70 per cent of her first serves.
The American will play Romania’s Jaqueline Cristian in the next round.
Cristian moved through after her Ukrainian opponent Yuliia Starodubtseva was forced to retire in the second set of their match.
Paula Badosa will have to win in three sets if she is advance to the next round in Brisbane.
The fourth seed was broken late in the first set by Elina Avanesyan, who has claimed a 6-3 advantage.
Alexei Popyrin has some work to do if he is to keep his Brisbane International campaign alive.
The Australian seventh seed lost the first set to Matteo Arnaldi, who broke his opponent in the eighth game.
Arnaldi held serve in the following game to claim the set 6-3.
The Italian 23-year-old is ranked 37 on the ATP standings.
He was as high as 30 in August last year.
Exciting news for tennis fans as the Brisbane International and United Cup are set to showcase some of the best players in the world, including Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka.
The Belarusian star will be looking to continue her impressive form and add another title to her collection. With her powerful game and aggressive style, Sabalenka is sure to be a force to be reckoned with on the court.
But she won’t be the only top player in action at the Brisbane International and United Cup. The tournament will feature a stellar line-up of talent, including the likes of Ashleigh Barty, Simona Halep, and Naomi Osaka.
Fans can expect thrilling matches, fierce competition, and plenty of drama as the players battle it out for the title. So mark your calendars and don’t miss out on the action as the Brisbane International and United Cup live up to their reputation as must-see events for tennis enthusiasts.
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