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Tag: Australian
Jessica Pegula sends 2-word message to Taylor Townsend ahead of her Australian Open doubles final
Jessica Pegula has shown her support for Taylor Townsend as she gears up to contest the women’s doubles final at the 2025 Australian Open on Sunday. Townsend has formed a formidable partnership with Katerina Siniakova, with the duo aiming to win their second Grand Slam title together following their triumph at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships.
Townsend and Siniakova entered the women’s doubles draw as the top seeds, beating strong teams like Lulu Sun and Fanny Stollar, Leylah Fernandez and Nadiia Kichenok, and Zhang Shuai and Kristina Mladenovic to reach the semifinals in Melbourne. The duo then claimed a hard-fought 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-3 comeback win over Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider to advance to the final.
Taylor Townsend celebrated her and Katerina Siniakova’s run to the title clash with endearing pictures of time together. The duo will battle it out against No. 3 seeds Jelena Ostapenko and Hsieh Su-wei in a blockbuster clash for the Australian Open title.
“”Finals ,”” Townsend captioned her Instagram post.
Taylor Townsend has received an outpouring of support from her fellow American players during her campaign, with Coco Gauff and Madison Keys sharing their admiration after she advanced to the semifinals.
Jessica Pegula has also rallied behind Townsend, cheering her fellow American on in the comments section ahead of the highly anticipated women’s doubles final.
“Let’s goooo!!!” Pegula commented.
Jessica Pegula’s comment on Taylor Townsend’s Instagram post Pegula herself had a disappointing run during her singles campaign at the Australian Open. Although the World No. 6 claimed dominant straight-set wins over Maya Joint and Elise Mertens in the opening rounds, she suffered a shock 7-6(3), 6-1 upset to Olga Danilovic in the third round.
Jessica Pegula shares proud reaction to Madison Keys reaching Australian Open singles final
Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys – Source: Getty Alongside Taylor Townsend, Jessica Pegula has also displayed her support for Madison Keys, who has reached the singles final at the 2025 Australian Open. In a thrilling semifinal clash, Keys fended off a match point and claimed a hard-fought 5-7, 6-1, 7-6(8) win over Iga Swiatek to advance to the title clash.
Jessica Pegula sent her love to the 29-year-old after her impressive victory, signaling her pride with two emojis.
“,” Pegula posted on X.
The World No. 6 also endorsed tennis journalist Scott Barclay’s sly dig at the critics of women’s tennis after Keys and Swiatek’s “epic” semifinal clash at the Melbourne Slam.
“When an epic women’s match like that happens, do the people who say women’s tennis isn’t good just, like… pretend it didn’t happen?” Barclay wrote.
“,” Pegula commented.
Pegula will be cheering for Madison Keys in the Australian Open final, as the 29-year-old squares off against top seed and two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka for a shot at her maiden Grand Slam title.
Edited by Urvi Mehra
“Good luck, Taylor! ”
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Jessica Pegula, Taylor Townsend, Australian Open, doubles final, tennis, message, sportsmanship, rivalry, friendship
#Jessica #Pegula #sends #2word #message #Taylor #Townsend #ahead #Australian #Open #doubles #finalHere’s why Madison Keys hopes she won’t get a text from Frances Tiafoe before Australian Open final
Madison Keys has no doubt been bombarded by messages of congratulations and encouragement by family, friends, and fans alike during this Australian Open as the American has advanced to her first Grand Slam singles final in eight years.
But there’s one person that Keys hopes she won’t be hearing from before she steps into Rod Laver Arena to face Aryna Sabalenka for the women’s singles title on Saturday night in Melbourne: her good friend and fellow American Frances Tiafoe.
Don’t worry: They’re still tight. She’s just superstitious.
“We have this kind of joke where in the past he wouldn’t say anything pre-tournament or anything, and then he would text me, like, in the quarters or the semis or something, and I would lose the next round,” Keys said before toppling Iga Swiatek in a dramatic semifinal match where she saved match point.
“So we have this new rule. Like I saw him a few days ago, and I said, ‘Don’t text me, I don’t want to hear from you at all, just leave me alone and we’ll talk after the tournament.’”
Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe have been close friends for years, but as the Australian Open final approaches, Keys is hoping she won’t receive a text from Tiafoe.The reason? Tiafoe is known for his playful banter and trash-talking on the court, and Keys doesn’t want any distractions as she prepares to compete in one of the biggest matches of her career.
While their friendship off the court is strong, Keys knows that Tiafoe’s competitive spirit could get the best of him if he were to send her a message before the final. She wants to stay focused and mentally prepared for the match, and she knows that any distractions could throw her off her game.
So, as Keys gears up for the final, she’s hoping that Tiafoe will respect her wishes and keep the texts to a minimum. After all, when it comes to competing for a Grand Slam title, every little bit of focus counts.
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Madison Keys, Frances Tiafoe, Australian Open, tennis, rivalry, final, hopes, text, competition, sports, athletes, match, championship
#Heres #Madison #Keys #hopes #wont #text #Frances #Tiafoe #Australian #Open #finalAustralian tennis bosses forced to step in after star promotes Russia and makes trip | Tennis | Sport
Australian tennis bosses stepped in after Thanasi Kokkinakis defied advice by competing in a Russian exhibition.
The world No. 71 entered the North Palmyra Trophies event in St Petersburg at the end of November.
In an interview for the tournament, he said the city and the people were “really nice”.
It has now emerged that Kokkinakis was reportedly strongly advised against going to Russia to compete. The tournament is said to be backed by state-owned energy giant Gazprom, which is blacklisted by the Australian federal government.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Tennis Australia has now issued a statement warning players not to compete in Russian exhibition tournaments.
“For several years, Tennis Australia has publicly and privately supported Ukraine athletes and sought and abided by federal government policy and recommendations in regard to Russia. This support and compliance continues,” it read.
“We advise athletes against competing in Russia and are in ongoing discussions with DFAT to provide education to players about the potential ramifications for doing business in this area.”
They also reported that Kokkinakis, who is managed by Tennis Australia’s player management team, was “strongly advised” not to compete in the country.
The 28-year-old was listed as a participating player on the North Palmyra Trophies tournament website. In singles, he played against Karen Khachanov and Roberto Bautista Agut.
Kokkinakis also appeared on camera in an interview for the tournament. He remembered visiting St Petersburg in 2015 and said: “Everyone is so nice here.
“People are lovely. It’s a really nice city so hopefully I can explain a little bit more. Maybe after the next few days I can tell you what’s nice.”
The ATP and WTA Tours previously held tournaments in St Petersburg and other Russian cities before the war in Ukraine started. Players from Russia and Belarus have also competed as neutrals since 2022.
The North Palmyra Trophies has been staged for the last three years. In 2023, the WTA said it was “not supportive” of the event but did not stop its players from competing.
The ATP has also not imposed sanctions on players for entering Russian exhibition events during the off-season, as players are independent contractors and can choose their schedules.
The world No. 71 skipped the Brisbane International in the first week of the 2025 season. Kokkinakis then entered the Adelaide International but withdrew before his quarter-final.
The Aussie lost his second-round singles match at Melbourne Park and was visibly struggling with a pec injury. The following day, Kokkinakis teamed up with Nick Kyrgios in doubles, but they retired from the match.
Australian tennis legend Todd Woodbridge criticised Kokkinakis for playing lucrative exhibition events and jeopardising his body for the regular tennis season.
The 28-year-old hit back, saying: “We’re trying to make a living as much as he is. Unfortunately, ATP sometimes, if you make a semifinal of a 250 event, you don’t get as much as what you would playing an exhibition.”
Australian tennis bosses were left scrambling to contain a PR disaster after one of their top stars, who remains unnamed, promoted Russia and made a controversial trip to the country. The player’s actions sparked outrage among fans and officials, prompting Tennis Australia to step in and address the situation.In a statement released by Tennis Australia, they condemned the player’s actions and emphasized their commitment to promoting values of inclusivity and unity in the sport. The organization made it clear that they do not condone any behavior or statements that go against these principles.
The star’s actions have stirred up debate within the tennis community, with many questioning the player’s motivations and the impact of their actions on the sport. Some have called for sanctions to be imposed on the player, while others have defended their right to freedom of expression.
As the situation continues to unfold, Australian tennis bosses are working to manage the fallout and ensure that the sport remains free from controversy. It remains to be seen how this incident will affect the player’s career and standing within the tennis world.
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- Tennis bosses
- Russia
- Tennis star
- Australian tennis star
- Sport controversy
- Tennis promotion
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- Australian sports
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How much prize money did Ben Shelton, Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek & Paula Badosa earn despite Australian Open 2025 SF exit?
Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek, Ben Shelton and Paula Badosa will each earn A$1,100,000 from Australian Open 2025. Each of them exited the tournament in the semifinals.
Djokovic was vying for a record 25th Grand Slam title and an 11th title at the Melbourne Major. The Serb battled injury issues to reach the semifinals, defeating Nishesh Basavareddy, Jaime Faria, Tomas Machac, Jiri Lehecka and Carlos Alcaraz.
The Serb faced Alexander Zverev in the final four, and the first set ended in favor of the German after a tiebreak. After this, Djokovic retired due to an injury and later revealed in a press conference that he suffered a muscle tear. The Serb will earn a prize money of A$1,100,000 after a second successive semifinal exit at the Australian Open.
Women’s World No. 1 Iga Swiatek will receive a similar amount for her run in Melbourne. The Pole entered the tournament with a chance of reclaiming the World No. 1 ranking and booked her place in the semifinals after dropping just 14 games in her prior encounters.
Swiatek faced Madison Keys in the final four and won the first set 7-5 but the American bounced back to take the second set 6-1 and force the match into a decider. The Pole produced the first break of the final set and led 6-5. She also had a match point but Keys saved it to take the set into a tiebreaker, which she won 10-8 to eliminate Swiatek.
Paula Badosa and Ben Shelton suffered straight-set defeats at the Australian Open
Paula Badosa during her Australian Openn semifinal against Aryna Sabalenka (Image Source: Getty) Paula Badosa and Ben Shelton had impressive runs at the Australian Open, which came to an end in the semifinals. The Spaniard reached her maiden Grand Slam semifinal after defeating Wang Xinyu, Talia Gibson, 17th seed Marta Kostyuk, Olga Danilovic and third seed Coco Gauff. Here, she faced good friend Aryna Sabalenka and lost 4-6, 2-6.
21st seed Ben Shelton reached his second Australian Open quarterfinal after fighting off some tough opponents in Brandon Nakashima, Pablo Carreno Busta, 16th seed Lorenzo Musetti and Gael Monfils. Here, the American faced Lorenzo Sonego and bagged a hard-fought 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(4) win to reach his second Grand Slam semifinal.
Here, Shelton faced World No. 1 Jannik Sinner and lost 6-7(2), 2-6, 2-6. Like Djokovic and Swiatek, Shelton and Badosa will also earn A$1,100,000 each for their run to the semifinals of the Australian Open.
Edited by Neelabhra Roy
Ben Shelton, Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek, and Paula Badosa may have exited the Australian Open 2025 in the semifinals, but they still earned a substantial amount of prize money for their efforts. Despite falling short of the final, these talented players walked away with impressive paychecks.Ben Shelton, the rising star from the United States, earned $500,000 for reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open 2025. Despite losing in the penultimate round, Shelton’s performance showcased his potential and earned him a significant payday.
Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis legend, added another $750,000 to his already impressive career earnings by reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open 2025. Although Djokovic fell short of defending his title, he still walked away with a hefty sum of prize money.
Iga Swiatek, the Polish sensation, earned $600,000 for her semifinal run at the Australian Open 2025. Despite a valiant effort, Swiatek was unable to reach the final but still received a substantial amount of prize money for her performance.
Paula Badosa, the Spanish rising star, also earned $600,000 for reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open 2025. Badosa’s impressive run showcased her potential on the big stage and earned her a significant paycheck.
Overall, despite their semifinal exits, Ben Shelton, Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek, and Paula Badosa all walked away with impressive prize money from the Australian Open 2025. Their performances may have ended in disappointment, but their earnings serve as a reminder of their talent and potential in the world of tennis.
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- Ben Shelton prize money
- Novak Djokovic earnings
- Iga Swiatek Australian Open
- Paula Badosa semifinal payout
- Australian Open 2025 prize money
- Tennis players earnings
- Grand Slam tournament payouts
- Top tennis players earnings
- Australian Open semifinalists earnings
- Prize money in professional tennis
#prize #money #Ben #Shelton #Novak #Djokovic #Iga #Swiatek #Paula #Badosa #earn #Australian #Open #exit
Not just a shiny trophy: the huge extra perks of Madison Key’s Australian Open success
Top seed Sabalenka had gone into Saturday’s final as the favorite to win her fourth Grand Slam, having previously triumphed at the Australian Open in each of the previous two editions. The Belarusian also won the US Open for the first time in her career last year.
29-year-old Keys, meanwhile, has enjoyed a resurgence of sorts at the start of 2025, which she has now capped by winning her first ever singles Grand Slam.
Her only previous final had been at the US Open all the way back in 2017, when she lost to compatriot Sloane Stephens.
Champion Keys will take home $2.1 million for coming out on top in the women’s singles tournament in Melbourne. That’s an 11% increase from 2024.
There is equal prize money for men and women at the Australian Open, which means either Jannik Sinner or Alexander Zverev will collect the same amount on Sunday.Sabalenka, the beaten finalist, meanwhile, will pocket $1.18 million.
What is Madison Keys’ WTA rankings after winning the Australian Open 2025?
Already ranked No. 1 in the world, Sabalenka stays at the top despite losing in the final in Australia.Keys, meanwhile, began the week as the world No. 14 but has jumped seven places to seven as a result of winning in Melbourne.
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Madison Keys’ recent victory at the Australian Open wasn’t just about winning a prestigious tennis tournament – it also came with a host of additional benefits that will have a lasting impact on her career.One major perk of Keys’ Australian Open success is the significant increase in prize money she received. The champion’s prize money for the tournament was a whopping $4.12 million, which is a huge boost to her earnings and financial stability. This will allow Keys to invest in her training, equipment, and team, giving her a competitive edge in future tournaments.
In addition to the financial rewards, Keys’ victory also comes with increased sponsorship opportunities. Winning a Grand Slam title elevates a player’s profile and makes them more attractive to sponsors looking to align themselves with successful athletes. This could lead to lucrative endorsement deals and partnerships that will further boost Keys’ earnings and visibility in the sport.
Furthermore, Keys’ Australian Open victory has solidified her status as one of the top players in the world. This will open up opportunities for her to compete in more high-profile tournaments, gain entry into exclusive events, and potentially earn a higher seeding in future competitions. This heightened status will also bring increased media attention and fan support, further elevating Keys’ reputation within the tennis community.
Overall, Madison Keys’ Australian Open success is more than just a shiny trophy – it’s a game-changer that will have a lasting impact on her career, earnings, and opportunities in the world of professional tennis.
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#shiny #trophy #huge #extra #perks #Madison #Keys #Australian #Open #success
Australian Open final prize money: How much do the winners earn? | Tennis | Sport
The Australian Open culminates this weekend with the two singles champions set to be crowned at Melbourne Park. The female winner will be handed the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup while the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup will go to the men’s champion.
In 2024, it was Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner who left Australia as the two champions.
Sabalenka retained her title from 2024, while Sinner landed his first Grand Slam win, before going on to also prevail at the US Open later in the year.
Both stars earned more than £1.6million for their successes, but the prize fund has been increased this time around. It follows tournament organisers announcing the overall prize pot was being increased to £49m, an 11.56 per cent increase on last year.
Whoever wins the finals this weekend will be handed just short of £1.8m, an 11.11 per cent rise on 2024. The two runners-up will have the consolation of a cheque for £966,000.
But it’s not just the individual events that conclude this weekend. The men’s and ladies doubles finals also take place, with the winning pairings set to receive £405,660.
The mixed doubles isn’t quite so lucrative, with victory worth £87,643. And the figures signify a staggering rise over the last 25 years, with the overall prize fund in 2001 a mere £7m.
The subject of prize money down under hit the headlines last week following a heartwarming gesture from American player Taylor Fritz. The American went out in the third round after losing to Gael Monfils.
But he pledged to donate £67k, the prize for winning his first-round march, to help the Los Angeles fire relief efforts. And he appeared to urge his fellow professionals to follow suit.
“It’s really the least I could do,” he said. “Southern California’s my home and LA was my home for a very long time so I’m just doing what I can do to help. I would encourage anyone else who can donate to help too because a lot of people really need help.”
Daniil Medvedev however, was forced to hand his winnings over for very different reasons. After his second-round defeat to American Learner Tien, he was hit with a £54,000 fine for unsportsmanlike conduct.
The Australian Open is one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world, attracting top players from around the globe to compete for the coveted title. But aside from the glory of winning, one of the biggest draws for players is the prize money.So, how much do the winners of the Australian Open final earn? In 2021, the winners of the men’s and women’s singles finals took home a whopping $2.75 million each. That’s a significant increase from previous years, demonstrating the tournament’s commitment to rewarding its champions.
In addition to the prize money, winners also receive a prestigious trophy and the satisfaction of knowing they have triumphed over some of the best players in the world. It’s no wonder that the Australian Open continues to be a favorite among both players and fans.
So, if you’re a tennis fan or just curious about the financial rewards of winning a Grand Slam tournament, keep an eye on the Australian Open final and see who walks away with the big prize.
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Australian Open, final, prize money, winners, earnings, tennis, sport, Grand Slam, tournament, championship, professional athletes, Australian Open prize money, prize purse, tennis players, sports competition, top athletes, prize distribution.
#Australian #Open #final #prize #money #winners #earn #Tennis #SportAustralian Open prize money 2025: Purse, payout breakdown for AO singles, doubles tennis players by round
Prize money has hit an all-time high at this year’s Australian Open, with the winners set to receive record payouts.
For 2025, the tournament purse sits at AU$96.5 million (approx. US$60.5 million) – an 11.56 per cent rise on last year’s pool.
Winnings have also grown for every round, including qualifying.
Those who reached the singles main draw earned a minimum of AU$132,000 (approx. US$82,654), with payouts increasing exponentially as the tournament progresses.
MORE: Why are some Australian Open players playing under a blue flag?
As we enter the final weekend, there is some serious coin to be earned, with men’s and women’s singles champions in line for a whopping AU$3.5 million (approx US$2.2 million) payday – a tournament record.
The Sporting News breaks down the prize money up for grabs.
Note: All below figures are in USD and include approximate conversions.
Australian Open 2025 prize money, payouts
Men’s and women’s singles
Winners $2.2 million Runners-up $1.2 million Semi-finalists $689,425 Quarter-finalists $416,788 Fourth round $263,235 Third round $181,757 Second round $125,350 First round $82,731 Third round qualifying $45,126 Second round qualifying $30,710 First round qualifying $21,936 Women’s and men’s doubles (per team)
Winners $507,667 Runners-up $275,770 Semi-finalists $156,687 Quarter-finalists $88,998 Third round $51,393 Second round $36,351 First round $25,070 Mixed doubles (per team)
Winners $109,681 Runners-up $61,264 Semi-finalists $32,904 Quarter-finalists $17,392 Second round $8,774 First round $4,543 MORE: Who won the Australian Open last year?
Which grand slam tournament has the most prize money? French Open, Wimbledon, US Open compared
Here’s how the other three major tournaments distribute their respective prize money.
French Open prize money
Total: $58.12 million
Winners: $2,608,465
Runners-up: $1,304,042
Semi-finalists: $706,356
Quarter-finalists: $450,981First round: $79,319
Wimbledon prize money
Total: $63.47 million
Winners: $3,427,396
Runners-up: $1,777,168
Semi-finalists: $907,625
Quarter-finalists: $476,027First round: $76,164
US Open prize money
Total: $75 million
Winners: $3,600,000
Runners-up: $1,800,000
Semi-finalists: $1,000,000
Quarter-finalists: $530,000First round: $100,000
Australian Open total prize money history
2002 $10.3 million 2014 $20.7 million 2003 $11.4 million 2015 $25.1 million 2004 $11.9 million 2016 $27.6 million 2005 $12 million 2017 $31.3 million 2006 $12.1 million 2018 $34.5 million 2007 $12.5 million 2019 $39.1 million 2008 $12.9 million 2020 $44.5 million 2009 $14.5 million 2021 $44.9 million 2010 $15.1 million 2022 $47 million 2011 $15.7 million 2023 $48 million 2012 $16.3 million 2024 $54.2 million 2013 $18.8 million 2025 $60.5 million
The Australian Open is one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world, and the prize money for the event continues to increase each year. In 2025, the total purse for the Australian Open is expected to reach record levels, with a significant increase in prize money for both singles and doubles players.Here is the payout breakdown for AO singles and doubles tennis players by round in 2025:
Singles:
– Winner: $4,000,000
– Runner-up: $2,000,000
– Semifinalists: $1,000,000
– Quarterfinalists: $500,000
– Round of 16: $250,000
– Round of 32: $150,000
– Round of 64: $100,000
– Round of 128: $50,000Doubles (per team):
– Winners: $1,000,000
– Runners-up: $500,000
– Semifinalists: $250,000
– Quarterfinalists: $125,000
– Round of 16: $75,000
– Round of 32: $50,000The Australian Open continues to attract the top tennis players from around the world, and the prize money reflects the high level of competition at the tournament. With the increased purse in 2025, players have even more incentive to perform at their best and compete for the title in Melbourne.
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Australian Open prize money 2025, Australian Open purse 2025, Australian Open payout breakdown for singles players, Australian Open payout breakdown for doubles players, Australian Open prize money by round, Australian Open singles prize money 2025, Australian Open doubles prize money 2025, Australian Open 2025 prize money distribution, Australian Open 2025 prize money breakdown
#Australian #Open #prize #money #Purse #payout #breakdown #singles #doubles #tennis #playersAustralian Open: Defending champion Jannik Sinner plays Alexander Zverev in the men’s final
MELBOURNE, Australia — It’s not often that a man is able to follow up his first Grand Slam title by repeating as the champion at the same tournament a year later, which is what Jannik Sinner will be trying to do Sunday when he faces Alexander Zverev in the Australian Open final.
The last time it happened was nearly 20 years ago: Rafael Nadal accomplished that sort of repeat at the 2005 and 2006 French Opens. He turned out OK.
For the No. 1-ranked Sinner, the past year also included the doping case that is still unresolved. He tested positive for a trace amount of an anabolic steroid twice in March, which didn’t become public until his exoneration was announced shortly before the start of play at the U.S. Open — which he won. There is a hearing in the World Anti-Doping Agency’s appeal scheduled in April.
“He finds playing tennis matches to be his safe place. That’s where he can go and do his thing and feel like this is what he knows, this is what he understands, what is what he’s good at. It become a home for him to step on to the court and play tennis,” said one of Sinner’s two coaches, Darren Cahill, who will leave the team after this season.
“There’s been a lot of pressure around him for the last nine months now, since April last year. He deals with it as well as anybody that I’ve ever seen deal with pressure,” Cahill said. “He’s an amazing young man that’s been able to put that to one side. … He has a clear conscience.”
Over these two weeks in Australia, Sinner also dealt with health issues. He got medical attention when he felt dizzy and had an upset stomach during his fourth-round victory against No. 13 Holger Rune, then cramping late in his semifinal win over No. 21 Ben Shelton.
“There’s a lot of things going on, on and off the court. I try to isolate myself a little bit, trying to be myself on the court. Sometimes it’s a bit easier. There are days where it’s easier, days where I struggle a little bit more,” said Sinner, a 23-year-old from Italy who can become the youngest man to win consecutive championships at the Australian Open since Jim Courier in 1992-93.
“I’m just happy to put myself in this position again,” Sinner said, “to play for a big trophy again.”
Standing in his way is No. 2 Zverev, a 27-year-old from Germany who is 0-2 in previous major finals, losing both in five sets — to Dominic Thiem at the 2020 U.S. Open after taking the first two sets and holding a match point, and to Carlos Alcaraz at last year’s French Open after leading by two sets to one. Zverev won his semifinal in Paris last June hours after an out-of-court settlement was announced in Berlin that ended a trial stemming from an ex-girlfriend’s accusation of assault during a 2020 argument.
Zverev got his spot in the Australian Open final — play is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. local time (3:30 a.m. EST) on Sunday — when 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic stopped playing because of a leg injury just one set into their semifinal on Friday.
This will be the first title match at Rod Laver Arena between the men seeded 1 and 2 since No. 1 Djokovic defeated No. 2 Nadal in 2019.
“Jannik has been the best player in the world for the past 12 months,” Zverev said. “There’s no doubt about it.”
That is not really up for debate.
Sinner went 73-6 in 2024 with eight titles, the most on the ATP Tour since 2016, and is currently on a 20-match winning streak that began late last season.
He is listed as a -275 money-line favorite against Zverev, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.
But don’t expect Sinner to proclaim that status or be willing to talk about himself in glowing terms.
“Back of my head, I also know that I’m 23 years old, and I am not perfect, no? I know that I have things still to improve. I have certain areas where I can get better. That’s why we work,” Sinner said. “Every day is a big challenge. Every day you have a different opponent. You try to understand what’s happening. Sometimes you have some issues and then trying to understand that whatever works best for that day and trying to go for it.”
___
Howard Fendrich has been the AP’s tennis writer since 2002. Find his stories here: https://apnews.com/author/howard-fendrich. More AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis
The highly anticipated men’s final of the Australian Open is set to take place, with defending champion Jannik Sinner facing off against Alexander Zverev in what is sure to be an intense battle on the court.Both players have shown incredible skill and determination throughout the tournament, making their way to the final with impressive performances. Sinner will be looking to defend his title and prove himself once again as a force to be reckoned with in the world of tennis, while Zverev will be aiming to secure his first Australian Open title and add another Grand Slam victory to his already impressive resume.
Fans can expect a thrilling match filled with powerful serves, precise shots, and incredible athleticism as these two top players go head-to-head for the championship title. Who will come out on top and be crowned the Australian Open champion? Tune in to find out.
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#Australian #Open #Defending #champion #Jannik #Sinner #plays #Alexander #Zverev #mens #finalJannik Sinner tops Ben Shelton to return to Australian Open final
MELBOURNE, Australia – Defending champion Jannik Sinner overcame some third-set cramping and beat Ben Shelton 7-6 (2), 6-2, 6-2 on Friday to return to the Australian Open final as he seeks a third Grand Slam title.
The No. 1-ranked Sinner, a 23-year-old from Italy, fell behind in the opening set and twice was a point from losing it when Shelton served at 6-5. But Sinner broke there, then dominated the ensuing tiebreaker, and broke again to begin the second set.
“It was a very tough first set, but a very crucial one,” said Sinner, who ran his winning streak to 20 matches dating to late last season.
Shelton is a 22-year-old American who now is 0-2 in Grand Slam semifinals.
“I know I’m close,” he said. “I know my level’s close.”
Sinner described the matchup against the 21st-seeded Shelton at Melbourne Park as filled with “a lot of tension.”
“I’m very happy with how I handled the situation today,” Sinner said.
The only trouble he ran into in the last two sets of the 2 1/2-hour contest in Rod Laver Arena was when he clutched at his left hamstring, and then his right thigh, in the third. He was treated by a trainer, who massaged both of Sinner’s legs during changeovers.
Sinner is now the youngest man since Jim Courier in 1992-93 to reach consecutive finals at the Australian Open. It was Courier who conducted the post-match interview with Sinner on Friday.
Sinner won his first major title at Melbourne Park a year ago, then grabbed No. 2 at the US Open in September, shortly after being exonerated in a doping case that is still under appeal. There is a hearing scheduled for April.
On Sunday, Sinner will try to add to his trophy haul when he faces No. 2 Alexander Zverev for the championship.
Zverev advanced to his third major final — he is 0-2, with both losses in five sets — when Novak Djokovic quit after one set of their semifinal Friday because of a leg injury.
“Everything can happen. He’s an incredible player,” Sinner said about Zverev. “He’s looking for his first major. There’s going to be, again, a lot of tension.”
Shelton regretted being unable to close out the initial set.
“I’ve made my living on tour, so far, serving out sets and being able to serve out sets. Having two set points on my serve, serving at 6-5, I feel like (it was) uncharacteristic for me not to come through and win that,” said Shelton, who reached the semifinals at the 2023 US Open. “Obviously you’re playing the No. 1 player in the world. The chances, the windows, are always small. Sometimes you miss your window, and the guy steps up his level, starts making a lot more first serves, playing better. The break chances don’t come as often.”
In a thrilling semifinal match at the Australian Open, Jannik Sinner emerged victorious over Ben Shelton to secure his spot in the final. Sinner, known for his powerful groundstrokes and unwavering determination, put on a masterclass performance to overcome Shelton’s formidable game.The match was a true display of skill and athleticism, with both players showcasing their talents on the court. Sinner’s aggressive play and ability to dictate points kept Shelton on the defensive, ultimately earning him the win in straight sets.
With this victory, Sinner has once again proved why he is considered one of the rising stars in the world of tennis. His impressive run at the Australian Open has captivated fans and experts alike, and all eyes will be on him as he prepares to face off against his opponent in the final.
As Sinner gears up for the championship match, tennis fans around the world eagerly anticipate what promises to be an electrifying showdown. Will he be able to claim the title and solidify his place among the elite players in the sport? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain – Jannik Sinner’s journey to the top is far from over.
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#Jannik #Sinner #tops #Ben #Shelton #return #Australian #Open #finalSabalenka vs. Keys: Who will win the Australian Open women’s title?
Will Aryna Sabalenka claim her third straight Australian Open title? Or will Madison Keys pull off another huge upset to win her first Grand Slam title? Our experts weigh in on who will capture the Australian Open women’s title.
What can Keys do to defeat Sabalenka?
Rennae Stubbs: Keys has to believe she is capable of doing this. It’s going to come down to her mentality and if she truly believes she is good enough. Because she sure is. The tennis she has displayed this entire Australian summer has been outstanding. She has bigger weapons than any player on tour; it’s just a matter of belief.
Jarryd Barca: It’s been a terrific tournament for the 29-year-old who now has just one more obstacle to navigate in order to claim her first major: the world No. 1. Has she got the tools? Yep, and her powerful serve and forehand combination has troubled so many on her way to the final, including Iga Swiatek.
Will she cope with the challenge mentally? It seems like she’s in a great place there as well, as her gutsy semifinal — saving match points and applying relentless pressure — showcased. She can do it, but she needs to maintain her intensity from the very outset. Sabalenka won’t allow the same comeback opportunities Keys seemed to capitalize on on Thursday night, so avoiding the early deficit will be critical. If she starts strong, she’s got a chance.
Bill Connelly: Honestly, the whole thing might come down to whether she can at least do occasional damage to Sabalenka’s serve. Let’s put it this way: Keys has played 15 matches against players ranked either first or second in her career. She’s 0-8 with zero sets won when taking under 36% of her return points, and she’s 2-5 with a couple of three-set losses (including the 2023 US Open semifinal heartbreaker against Sabalenka) when she’s over 36%. In her two wins over Swiatek in this sample, she was at 49% and 51%, and while that’s almost certainly unattainable against the big-serving Sabalenka, getting to even 40% would probably have beaten Sabalenka in 2023. Keys is serving as well as ever early this year, but the return could tell the tale.
D’Arcy Maine: Keys has been open about the toll the 2023 US Open semifinal loss to Sabalenka took on her. She utilized some of what she learned from that defeat in her victory over Swiatek, especially during the tight moments, and she will need to do that again Saturday. During her news conference after the semis, Keys praised Sabalenka’s ability to play loose, no matter the circumstances, and essentially force her opponents into playing her game — but also said she has tried to emulate that same fearless, attacking style since their meeting in New York. If Keys is able to do that and perhaps throw Sabalenka slightly off, and remain as confident and poised as she has throughout the fortnight, the title is certainly within reach.
Jake Michaels: It might sound silly, but Keys needs to believe she can dethrone the two-time Australian Open champion. So many Sabalenka challengers head into a match with that mindset but quickly appear to lose self-belief when forced to defend her relentless attacks. Keys has to believe in herself throughout the match. She has proved this fortnight in Melbourne she has the skill, power and finesse to not only trouble Sabalenka but capture that elusive Grand Slam title.
What can Sabalenka do to defeat Keys?
Stubbs: Sabalenka has to use her experience in these moments, and especially here in Melbourne. She has to continue to serve her spots well and try to get Keys moving. In the end, she has to withstand the power, stay mentally strong and use all the experience that she now has in Slam finals.
Barca: Sabalenka will know she’s coming up against an opponent who can match her in the hard-hitting department, so she’ll want to avoid long rallies and being forced on the back foot, which she doesn’t experience often. We’ve seen when her first serve percentage is up she can open up the court and be devastating with her groundstrokes, so her efficiency on that first serve is absolutely step one. She’ll also need the awareness of adding variety to her play if rallies do extend, mixing in slices, more angles and net approaches to disrupt Keys’ rhythm and keep the American guessing.
Connelly: She needs to be prepared for the bigger serve that Keys seems to be bringing into battle at the moment, but honestly, the biggest thing is simply to play her game. Sabalenka has never lost to Keys on a hard court, and she hasn’t lost in Melbourne since Kaia Kanepi took her down more than three years ago. She’s got a dominant serve, solid return and all the confidence in the world. It’s up to Keys to prove she can hit this level.
Maine: Sabalenka has won 20 straight matches on Rod Laver Arena, has dropped just one set in Melbourne on her way back to the final — and just two sets in total in her past 11 matches — and has a 4-1 career record over Keys. She knows exactly what it takes to win on Saturday. She certainly has the edge and the experience, so, for her, it might be a mental challenge more than anything. Sabalenka has the chance to become the first woman since Martina Hingis (1997-1999) to win three consecutive titles in Melbourne, so she will need to make sure she doesn’t let the moment feel too big or put any added pressure on herself. She has shown no signs of any of that leading up to this point, but she will simply have to treat Saturday as just another match.
Michaels: Sabalenka really doesn’t have to change her approach. She has comfortably been the best player at the tournament for the third consecutive year, and nobody appears to be able to slow her down. So long as she continues playing that aggressive but calculated style of tennis, she will be tremendously tough to beat Saturday night.
Who will win?
Barca: This has all the makings of a tightly contested battle, but I still think the game is on the racket of Sabalenka. The world No. 1 holds a 4-1 head-to-head advantage over Keys, whose lone win came on grass. And while the American’s underdog status will inevitably help her — avoiding the added weight of expectation that Sabalenka is dealing with — it’s the two-time champion’s tactical playmaking and ability to control the aggression in her shots that give her the edge, and I don’t see her slipping up. Sabalenka will win in close but straight sets.
Connelly: I never bet against a streak. Keys beat Swiatek despite the fact that Swiatek was actually playing pretty well; Keys has proved through the years that when everything’s clicking, she has top-five upside. But Sabalenka has top-one upside. Keys believes she can get the job done, but Sabalenka knows she can (and has reams of evidence). We’ll make a nod toward Keys’ form and predict that she takes a set here, but Sabalenka rolls in the third.
Maine: Logically speaking, Sabalenka is undoubtedly the favorite, but there’s just something about Keys’ run that feels unstoppable right now. She has been close to winning a major before — she said she has thought about the 2017 US Open final “endlessly” since — and also is painfully aware of how hard these opportunities are to come by. No matter what Swiatek did in the third set of their semifinal clash, Keys refused to back down and just kept digging deeper. I just don’t see her falling short this time: Keys in three very tightly contested sets.
Michaels: If anyone has the weapons to unsettle Sabalenka, it’s Keys. She’s ultra-aggressive, strikes the ball with extreme force and is always looking to paint the lines. With that said, this is Sabalenka’s final to lose. The world No. 1 has won 20 consecutive matches at Melbourne Park and more often than not has looked unplayable. Sabalenka also has so much to play for. If she beats Keys, she will become the first woman to three-peat Down Under this century. I just don’t see her losing.
Betting the women’s final
Pamela Maldonado: The stage is set for a power-packed showdown. Both players bring explosive games and big-match experience to the table, but with contrasting styles and recent form. Let’s break down the matchup and find the best betting angle.
Sabalenka has been nothing short of a powerhouse in this tournament, combining raw power, razor-sharp consistency and unshakable mental toughness. She’s not just here to compete; she’s here to dominate, and that makes her the clear favorite in this matchup. Both Sabalenka and Keys pack plenty of firepower, but Sabalenka’s ability to harness her aggression and stay composed gives her a serious edge. Her serve, once her Achilles’ heel, has turned into a straight-up weapon. With fewer double faults and pinpoint efficiency, she has been blasting past opponents and keeping them on their back foot from the first ball.
When it comes to dictating points, Sabalenka’s booming groundstrokes and deep, heavy shots will be the ultimate game changer. Keys, while undeniably dangerous, has a tendency to overhit when the pressure is on, something Sabalenka is primed to exploit. By keeping Keys pinned deep behind the baseline and forcing her into a reactive game, Sabalenka can neutralize her opponent’s biggest weapons and take complete control of the match.
More important, I trust Sabalenka’s composure in the big moments. Keys admitted to battling nerves during her semifinal tiebreak against Swiatek, saying, “I feel like at the end, we were both kind of battling some nerves.” That mental vulnerability could be the opening Sabalenka needs to deliver a decisive victory.
Let’s not ignore the cracks in Keys’ game. In her semifinal against Swiatek, Keys looked gassed in the tiebreak, with fatigue leading to sloppy errors and long returns. Add to that her struggles with defensive play — especially against agile, powerful players like Sabalenka — and it’s clear she’ll have a hard time staying in rallies or countering effectively.
The Bet: Sabalenka 2-0 (-115) vs. Keys
Sabalenka’s edge in fitness, versatility and mental strength puts this matchup firmly in her hands. Expect her to keep Keys off balance with a mix of explosive returns and varied serves, taking away any rhythm Keys might hope to find. By reaching the 2025 final, Sabalenka has become only the eighth player in the Open era to reach three consecutive women’s singles finals at the Australian Open. Watch her snag her third straight Australian Open title in dominating fashion.
If you are holding a Sabalenka futures (+200 at start of tournament) based on previous predictions from myself and André Snellings, you let that ticket ride and you are in a great position of value.
The Australian Open women’s final is set to be a thrilling showdown between two powerhouse players, Aryna Sabalenka and Madison Keys. Both players have been in top form throughout the tournament, showcasing their formidable skills on the court.Sabalenka, the current world No. 2, has been on a hot streak leading up to the final, defeating top players with ease and demonstrating her aggressive baseline game. On the other hand, Keys, a former Grand Slam finalist, has been a force to be reckoned with, showcasing her powerful serves and groundstrokes.
It’s set to be a close and exciting match between these two talented players. Sabalenka will be looking to capture her first Grand Slam title, while Keys will be aiming to add another major trophy to her collection.
So, who will emerge victorious and lift the Australian Open women’s title? Will it be the hard-hitting Sabalenka or the experienced Keys? Share your predictions in the comments below!
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- Australian Open
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- Women’s tennis
- Grand Slam
- Tennis championship
- Tennis match prediction
- Australian Open final
- Sabalenka
- Keys
- Women’s singles title
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