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.”
“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.”
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.”
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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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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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!
Caroline Wozniacki hopes to be “back again” as she confirmed why she had withdrawn from this year’s Australian Open.
Former world No 1 Wozniacki withdrew from the first Grand Slam of the year in the weeks building up to the tournament, though did not make an official announcement.
The Dane was still in Melbourne, bringing the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup onto the Rod Laver Arena during a presentation ceremony on the opening day of the tournament.
Speaking to Eurosport, the 2018 champion revealed that her ongoing battle with rheumatoid arthritis had left her struggling physically in the build-up to the tournament.
That led to her withdrawal, though she shut down rumours of a second retirement by confirming her intention to get back onto court later this year.
She said: “My body was not feeling great. When I started pre-season training I was struggling with my body a little bit.
“I have rheumatoid arthritis so it’s been an ongoing battle but I am hoping with a little break I will be back again soon.”
After two previous US Open final defeats, Wozniacki finally captured her sole Grand Slam title at the Australian Open seven years ago, beating Simona Halep in a three-set thriller.
She revealed her battle with rheumatoid arthritis later that year and retired from tennis at the Australian Open in 2020.
Wozniacki memorably defeated Kristie Ahn and 23rd seed Dayana Yastremska to reach the third round before a loss to Ons Jabeur, after which she had an on-court presentation ceremony.
However, after welcoming two children with husband David Lee, Wozniacki stunned the tennis world but announcing her intention to return in 2023.
The Dane made her comeback at the 2023 Canadian Open and then also played the Cincinnati Open, before reaching the fourth round of the US Open – losing to eventual champion Coco Gauff.
Wozniacki played 29 matches in 2024, holding a 16-13 record for the season.
The highlights of her season included a run to the last eight in Indian Wells and a return to the second week of the US Open, where she was beaten in the fourth round by Beatriz Haddad Maia.
However, the 34-year-old did not play after action in Flushing Meadows last season, and her withdrawal from the Australian Open led some to believe she was retiring for the second time.
Caroline Wozniacki, the former world number one and Grand Slam champion, has put an end to retirement rumours swirling around her by revealing the real reason for her withdrawal from the upcoming Australian Open.
In a recent statement, Wozniacki confirmed that she will not be competing in the first Grand Slam of the year due to health concerns. The Danish tennis star explained that she has been struggling with rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune disease that causes joint pain and inflammation.
Wozniacki, who announced her retirement from professional tennis in 2019, has been dealing with the condition for several years but has managed to continue playing at a high level. However, the 31-year-old decided to prioritize her health and well-being by taking a break from competitive tennis.
“I have been battling with rheumatoid arthritis for some time now, and it has become increasingly difficult to manage while trying to compete at the highest level,” Wozniacki said in a statement. “I have made the difficult decision to withdraw from the Australian Open to focus on my health and recovery.”
Despite the setback, Wozniacki remains optimistic about her future in tennis and is not ready to call it quits just yet. She emphasized that she is not retiring and plans to return to the WTA Tour when she is feeling better.
“I am not retiring from tennis. I love this sport and will do everything I can to get back on the court and compete again,” Wozniacki added. “I want to thank my fans and supporters for their understanding and continued support. I will be back stronger than ever.”
Fans around the world have expressed their support for Wozniacki and wish her a speedy recovery. The tennis community is looking forward to seeing the former champion back in action and competing at the highest level once again.
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Caroline Wozniacki says in an interview with Eurosport at physical problems prevented her from taking part in the Australian Open.
“My body doesn’t feel great. When I started training in the pre-season I had problems with my body, of course also due to my rheumatoid arthritis, so it has been a struggle,” says Caroline Wozniacki to Eurosport.
On top of the cancellation, there has been speculation that Wozniacki would end her career, but that is not the plan.
Her last game was at the US Open in late summer last year where she reached the Round of 16.
The former world No 1 is currently nr. 72 in the world rankings.
Former world No. 1 tennis player Caroline Wozniacki has denied rumors that she has retired from the sport. Wozniacki, who recently withdrew from the Australian Open due to a chronic autoimmune disease, took to social media to clarify her status.
In a statement posted on her Instagram account, Wozniacki said, “I have not retired. I am facing some challenges with my health, and I need to take some time to focus on my treatment and recovery. I will miss competing at the Australian Open this year, but I hope to be back on the court soon.”
Wozniacki, who announced last year that she would be retiring after the 2020 season, has been open about her battle with rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune disease that causes joint pain and inflammation. Despite the challenges she faces, the Danish tennis star remains determined to continue her career.
Fans and fellow players have shown their support for Wozniacki, sending messages of encouragement and well wishes. While her absence from the Australian Open is disappointing, her health and well-being are the top priority.
We wish Caroline Wozniacki a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing her back on the court soon. Stay strong, Caroline! #FightOnCaro
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Iga Swiatek is dominating her Australian Open opponents the way no one has at Melbourne Park since Maria Sharapova in 2013.
Swiatek’s latest lopsided win came via a 6-1, 6-2 scoreline in the quarterfinals against No. 8 seed Emma Navarro on Wednesday.
The No. 2-seeded Swiatek not only has not dropped a set so far in the tournament, but also has lost a grand total of only 14 games as she seeks her first title at Melbourne Park and sixth Grand Slam trophy overall. Sharapova was the last woman to reach the Australian Open semifinals having dropped fewer than 15 games.
“She does everything with 100% conviction and intensity,” Navarro said about Swiatek. “She has a different style of movement and play. It’s tough to not be sort of affected by that and not feel like, ‘OK, I have to do everything at the same speed that she’s doing it.’ So that was something, for sure, I felt a little bit today.”
Swiatek will face No. 19 Madison Keys of the U.S. on Thursday night for a berth in the final. The other women’s semifinal is No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, the two-time defending champion, against her good friend, No. 11 Paula Badosa.
Keys, whose best showing at a major was getting to the title match at the 2017 U.S. Open, was a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 winner against Elina Svitolina and is into her third semifinal in Australia.
“Iga is tough to beat because she has a lot of spin, kind of naturally, on both sides. She’s a good server. She’s a good returner. She moves incredibly well,” Keys said. “The biggest thing that makes her so difficult to beat is, because she moves so well, if you miss your spot just slightly, she has enough time to recover, and then the point goes back to neutral.”
Shelton was a semifinalist at the 2023 U.S. Open and now will meet No. 1 Jannik Sinner, the defending champion, on Friday.
Sinner was relentless against No. 8 Alex de Minaur, the last Australian male in the bracket, on Wednesday night, beating him 6-3, 6-2, 6-1.
“He is one of the best servers on tour,” Sinner said about Shelton. “Lefty. Different rotation of the ball … hopefully, I’m ready.”
The other men’s semifinal Friday is Novak Djokovic vs. Alexander Zverev.
Against Navarro, Swiatek benefited from a no-call of a double bounce on a point she won in the second set. Because Navarro continued playing the point and did not immediately stop to ask for a video review, she wasn’t allowed to have the sequence checked.
Either way, Swiatek’s dominance was pretty clear, even if she was modest about things afterward.
“Well, I think it was much tougher than the score says,” said Swiatek, a 23-year-old from Poland. “Emma’s a fighter … and I wanted to stay focused and keep my intensity.”
Swiatek has won four of five career matchups against Keys, 29.
“Madison is a great player and experienced, so you never know,” Swiatek said. “I’ll be just focused on myself.”
Using a new racket this season, Keys is on a 10-match winning streak, including a title at a hard-court tune-up event in Adelaide. Her run to the semifinals in Melbourne includes victories over two past runners-up at the Australian Open, Danielle Collins and Elena Rybakina.
Keys’ past losses in the semifinals in Melbourne came against eventual champions Serena Williams in 2015 and Ash Barty in 2022.
“I think I play a little bit smarter for sure … probably a little bit less fearless,” Keys said.
Svitolina, a three-time Slam semifinalist, was in control during the first set. But Keys made some tactical adjustments, including looking for more opportunities to get to the net. She won 23 of the 26 points when she moved forward and ended up with a total of 49 winners, 23 on her powerful forehand side.
The one difficulty Keys had was getting going in her return games. But she finally converted her seventh break chance to lead 4-2 in the second set.
Keys said: “Getting to the point where I’m starting to appreciate my career for what it has been, and it doesn’t have to have a Grand Slam in order for me to look at it and say, ‘I’ve done a really good job, and I’ve really left everything out there.’ Now, while that’s obviously still the goal, there have been periods of my career where it felt like if I didn’t win one, then I hadn’t done enough.
“That kind of took a lot of the fun out of the game, and there were times where it felt paralyzing out on the court because it felt as if I needed it to happen, instead of giving myself the opportunity to go out and potentially do it.”
___
AP Sports Writer John Pye in Brisbane, Australia, contributed.
The Australian Open has reached the semifinals stage and the matchups are set. In the women’s draw, reigning champion Iga Swiatek will take on the hard-hitting American Madison Keys. Swiatek has been in dominant form throughout the tournament, showcasing her all-court game and mental toughness. Keys, on the other hand, has been serving bombs and crushing groundstrokes, making her a formidable opponent for the Polish star.
On the men’s side, rising star Jannik Sinner will face off against the unseeded but impressive Lloyd Shelton. Sinner has been making waves on the ATP tour with his powerful game and fearless attitude, while Shelton has been the surprise package of the tournament, knocking out higher-ranked opponents with his aggressive play.
Both matchups promise to be thrilling battles between contrasting styles of play. Will Swiatek continue her quest for back-to-back titles? Can Keys overpower the defending champion? Will Sinner’s youthful exuberance overcome Shelton’s experience? Tune in to find out as the Australian Open semifinals unfold.
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U.S. player Madison Keys will face world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the Australian Open final. (Jason Heidrich/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The 2025 Australian Open comes to an end this weekend with Aryna Sabalenka facing Madison Keys in the women’s final. Sabalenka is the world No. 1, top-seeded player of the tournament and two-time defending champion of the Australian Open. To become the three-time consecutive champion, Sabalenka will need to defeat No. 19-seeded American Madison Keys, who managed to knock out the No. 2-seed Iga Swiatek in her semifinal match. Historically, the pair have faced off five times, with Sabalenka winning four of those matches. Thanks to the time difference in Melbourne Park, Australia, the Australian Open women’s finals match will begin at 3:30 a.m. ET. Here’s what you need to know and how to watch the Aryna Sabalenka vs. Madison Keys match.
How to watch the 2025 Australian Open final:
Date: Jan. 25
Time: 3:30 a.m. ET/12:30 a.m. PT
Game: Aryna Sabalenka vs. Madison Keys
Location: Melbourne Park, Melbourne, AU
TV channel: ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, Tennis Channel
Streaming: ESPN+, Sling, Fubo and more
What time is the 2025 Australian Open final on?
The 2025 Australian Open has been a bit wonky for U.S. viewers thanks to the time difference in The Land Down Under. Tonight’s women’s final match between Sabalenka and American tennis star Madison Keys will begin at 3:30 a.m. ET tonight (or technically, early tomorrow, Jan. 25).
Who is playing in the Australian Open final?
Tonight on the women’s side, No. 1-seed and two-time defending Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka goes for her third consecutive title. Sabalenka will face No. 19-seed American Madison Keys on the court.
What channel is the Australian Open on in 2025?
In the U.S., coverage of the Australian Open will air across ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3 and ABC. The Tennis Channel will also be broadcasting daily highlights, analysis and replays.
How to watch the 2025 Australian Open without cable:
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.
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. 25:
Women’s Final
Jan. 26:
Men’s Final
Who played in the 2025 Australian Open?
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
Ways to watch ESPN without cable:
Are you ready for an epic showdown in the Australian Open final? Tonight, Aryna Sabalenka will face off against Madison Keys in what promises to be a thrilling match. If you’re looking to catch all the action live, here’s how you can watch the game late tonight:
– Tune in to your local sports channel or check your cable provider for coverage of the Australian Open final. Many networks will be broadcasting the match live, so be sure to check your TV guide for the correct channel.
– If you prefer to stream the match online, you can do so through various platforms such as ESPN, Tennis Channel, or the official Australian Open website. Simply log in with your cable provider information or sign up for a streaming service to catch all the action.
– Follow along on social media for live updates and highlights from the match. Many sports accounts will be posting updates in real-time, so you can stay up to date on all the latest developments.
Don’t miss out on this exciting final between Sabalenka and Keys. Grab your snacks, settle in, and get ready for an unforgettable night of tennis. Who will come out on top? Tune in to find out!
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Keys to success: Fratangelo coaches wife to dream Australian Open run
Americans married in November
January 24, 2025
David Gray/AFP vía Getty Images
Bjorn Fratangelo coaches his wife Madison Keys at the Australian Open. By ATP Staff
When Bjorn Fratangelo was injured in 2023, he began working with his then fiancée Madison Keys. What has happened ever since has been straight from a movie script.
Fratangelo and Keys tied the knot this past November. Roughly six weeks later, Keys won the WTA tournament in Adelaide, her second tournament of the 2025 season.
Now the American, No. 14 in the WTA Rankings, will compete in the Australian Open title match. It marks Keys’ second major final appearance and first since the US Open in 2017 — the same year Keys and Fratangelo began dating.
How did their relationship turn into a full-fledged on-court partnership as well?
“I think it kind of started when we kind of had a little more tennis dialogue in our relationship, sort of when I was finishing my own career,” Fratangelo said in a press conference Friday in Melbourne. Fratangelo reached a career-high No. 99 in the PIF ATP Rankings in 2016 and won four ATP Challenger Tour titles. He played his final match in August 2023.
“She was just bouncing ideas off of me and stuff. It was the first time I was giving input back.
“Then it just came to a point where we started and decided that I was going to be with her full time. It was just like, ‘How much do you want to get out of this? Are you happy with staying 11 through 25 [in the rankings]? Do you want to try to push for more? What do you want?’”
The 29-year-old Keys has enjoyed a recent resurgence, playing some of the best tennis of her life in Melbourne. She has ousted three Top 15 players, including five-time major champion Iga Swiatek in a thrilling semi-final, during which Keys saved one match point.
Australian Open semi-final victory.” style=”width:100%” src=”https://www.atptour.com/-/media/images/news/2025/01/24/18/23/keys-ao-2025-sf.jpg”> Madison Keys celebrates her Australian Open semi-final victory. Credit: Martin Keep/AFP via Getty Images
A perennial Top 25 player who is one win away from her biggest career trophy, Keys is still “nowhere near her full potential”, according to Fratangelo.
“Sharpening the axe can get you so far, but sometimes you just need new tools. I think that’s what I’ve tried to bring to the table,” Fratangelo said.
“She’s obviously done it her way for so long. It’s brought her great success and an amazing career. I just thought, ‘Okay, if we make a few changes and some subtle tweaks here and there, maybe being 15 in the world turns to 10 and 10 can turn to eight, then all of a sudden you’re in the mix, and you’re being talked about again, like she is now.’”
To win the title, Keys will need to defeat Aryna Sabalenka, who has lifted the Melbourne trophy the past two years. Sabalenka is No. 1 in the WTA Rankings.
Fratangelo recognises Sabalenka’s elite level, drawing comparisons to some of the sport’s greatest players.
“I was watching [her quarter-final] at night in the room in the hotel and there just wasn’t a doubt in my mind that she wasn’t going to win that match,” Fratangelo said of Sabalenka, who needed a decider in her quarter-final match.
“That’s kind of how you feel with Novak when he plays most matches, Serena when she played most matches, Roger, Rafa. I think she has that now.”
When Keys is met with the pressure of competing in the high-stakes match Saturday, she can simply turn to her player’s box and be reminded of her biggest supporter: her husband.
“I try to stay as calm as I can in the box, but I’m not going to sit here and lie to you and tell you that I don’t have a pulse, you know. It’s nerve-racking,” Fratangelo said.
“When you can’t do anything and you’re just sitting on the side, you feel kind of helpless. Like obviously if I’m playing in that situation, you’re kind of dictating what happens. But when I’m just sitting there watching, it’s another level of stress.”
Keys to success: Fratangelo coaches wife to Australian Open final
In a remarkable turn of events, professional tennis player Bjorn Fratangelo has taken on a new role as coach to his wife, Samantha, and guided her to the Australian Open final. The couple, who have been married for five years, have captured the hearts of tennis fans around the world with their inspiring journey to success.
Fratangelo, who is currently ranked in the top 100 on the ATP Tour, has brought his wealth of experience and knowledge of the game to the coaching role, helping Samantha elevate her game to new heights. Through his guidance and support, Samantha has been able to overcome formidable opponents and showcase her talent on the grandest stage of them all.
The keys to their success lie in their strong partnership, unwavering dedication, and relentless work ethic. The Fratangelos’ shared passion for the sport, along with their mutual respect and trust in each other, have been instrumental in their journey to the final of the Australian Open.
As they prepare to face off against tough competition in the final, the Fratangelos serve as a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and belief in oneself. Their story is a testament to the power of love, teamwork, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Stay tuned as the Fratangelos look to make history and etch their names in the annals of tennis lore at the Australian Open final. Whatever the outcome, their remarkable journey is a reminder that with the right support and mindset, anything is possible.
Who: Aryna Sabalenka vs Madison Keys What: Australian Open women’s singles final Where: Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, Australia When: 7:30pm (08:30 GMT) on Saturday Follow Al Jazeera’s live build-up ahead of our text and photo stream of the match.
The irresistible force of Aryna Sabalenka meets the unbreakable spirit of Madison Keys in an Australian Open women’s singles final on Saturday that promises to be a thunderous slugfest.
Defending champion Sabalenka was hailed by beaten semifinalist Paula Badosa as being so good it was “like she’s playing a PlayStation” after dishing out a merciless straight-sets bludgeoning to her good friend.
The never-say-die American Keys, who will turn 30 next month, saved eight break points and a match point in a nerve-shredding final set against Iga Swiatek that went all the way to a 10-point tiebreak.
“Definitely some big-hitting. I think that is going to happen,” the powerful 19th seed Keys predicted of the final. “Not a lot of long points.”
What is the head-to-head record between the women’s singles finalists?
Keys and Sabalenka have met five times previously, with the Belarusian winning four of them, most recently on the Beijing hard courts last year. Keys’s sole win came on grass in Berlin in 2021.
“She’s playing incredible tennis,” said Sabalenka. “She’s a very aggressive player, serving well, moving well. She’s in great shape. It’s going to be a great battle. We had a lot of great battles in the past.”
Aryna Sabalenka practises on court during day 13 ahead of the Australian Open final [Quinn Rooney/Getty Images]
What would an Australian Open threepeat mean for Sabalenka?
Sabalenka will remain world number one after Swiatek’s defeat while Keys is guaranteed to be back in the top 10 for the first time since 2019 in the new rankings.
Both players are in rampant form and on 11-match win streaks after winning their respective warm-up events. Sabalenka, the modern-day queen of Melbourne Park, has won 20 straight matches on the famous blue hard courts.
If she makes it 21 it will see her complete a treble not witnessed this century. The last person to achieve the three-peat in Melbourne was Martina Hingis in 1999 and only four other women have done it – Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong, Steffi Graf and Monica Seles.
Three in a row is a rare achievement at any Slam and has only been done this century on three occasions.
At Roland Garros, Justine Henin completed the treble in 2007 and Iga Swiatek emulated it last year. Serena Williams won 23 Grand Slam singles titles but only managed a hat-trick once, at the US Open from 2012-14.
Madison Keys of the United States overcame Iga Swiatek of Poland in the semifinal [Hannah Peters/Getty Images]
How many Grand Slam finals has Keys reached?
Sabalenka will be in her fifth Slam final, Keys in only her second, having lost the 2017 US Open final 6-3, 6-0 to Sloane Stephens. “I’ve obviously thought of that match endlessly for the past eight years,” said Keys, who broke down in tears after beating Swiatek in a seesawing contest that lasted 2hr 35min.
“I was so consumed with being nervous and the moment that I never really gave myself a chance to actually play. You can also play tennis through that, I think is something that I’ve been working really hard on.
“That’s one of the biggest lessons that I can take from that US Open final.”
What’s the prize money?
The total prize money is $59.8m, a 12 percent increase from 2024.
The Australian Open will hand out a $2.16m reward for singles champions and men’s and women’s doubles champion teams will receive $502,000.
The breakdown in the singles category (men and women) is:
Champions: $2.16m Runners-up: $1.17m Semifinalists: $0.68m Quarterfinalists: $412,242 Round of 16: $260,363 Third round: $179,759 Second round: $123,974 First round: $81,822
Aryna Sabalenka is targeting a third consecutive Australian Open title [Quinn Rooney/Getty Images]
Where to watch, follow and stream the Australian Open tennis Grand Slam?
Al Jazeera will provide live text and photo coverage of the men’s and women’s singles finals.
The official broadcasters of the Australian Open are:
Africa: beIN Sports and SuperSport. Europe: Eurosport, SRG SSR. Asia Pacific & Oceania: ESPN, Tennis Channel, beIN Sports, CCTV, iQIYI, GDTV, WOWOW, Nine, Stan Sport, Digicel, CJ ENM, TDM, ESPN International, SKY, Sportcast and K-Plus. India & subcontinent: Sony Sports Network. Latin America & Caribbean: ESPN International. Middle East: beIN Sports. North America: ESPN, TSN, RDS and Tennis Channel. Central Asia: Sony Sports Network and Eurosport.
The Australian Open final between Aryna Sabalenka and Madison Keys is set to be an exciting showdown between two powerful players. If you’re looking to follow the action and watch the match live, here’s how you can do so:
1. TV Broadcast: The final will be broadcast live on various TV channels around the world, so check your local listings to see where you can tune in to watch the match.
2. Online Streaming: If you prefer to watch the match online, you can stream it live on the official Australian Open website or through various sports streaming services such as ESPN, Tennis Channel, and Eurosport.
3. Social Media: Follow the official Australian Open social media accounts on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for live updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes coverage of the final.
4. Tennis Apps: Download tennis apps such as the Australian Open app, ATP Tour app, or WTA app to stay up to date with the latest scores, stats, and news from the final.
Don’t miss out on this epic Australian Open final between Sabalenka and Keys. Tune in to watch the match and witness some top-class tennis action!
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Australian Open final, Sabalenka vs Keys, follow tennis news, watch live stream, Australian Open updates, Sabalenka vs Keys match, tennis tournament, Australian Open championship, tennis live streaming, watch online, tennis match updates, Australian Open coverage, Sabalenka vs Keys final.
Keys trying to emulate ‘fearless’ Sabalenkapublished at 08:43 Greenwich Mean Time
08:43 GMT
Sabalenka v Keys
Both Aryna Sabalenka and Madison Keys head into the final on an 11-match winning streak.
While Sabalenka will remain as world number one regardless of today’s result, Keys would rise to a joint career-high seventh in the rankings if she beats Sabalenka.
Keys was full of praise for Sabalenka, who she has beaten just once in five meetings and not since 2021, in her pre-match news conference.
“What’s really impressive is her mentality. Her ability to always go for it, no matter what the score is, is really impressive,” said Keys.
“She plays such fearless tennis. I think it’s very unique. I’m trying to emulate the way she trusts her game and the way she goes after it.”
Image source, Getty Images
The Australian Open final is here and it’s a battle between two fierce competitors: Aryna Sabalenka and Madison Keys. Follow along for live updates, scores, and radio coverage of this exciting match!
Both Sabalenka and Keys have had impressive runs throughout the tournament, defeating top players and showcasing their powerful games. Sabalenka, the Belarusian powerhouse, has been in top form, while Keys, the American star, has been playing some of the best tennis of her career.
Stay tuned as we bring you all the action from the final, including game-by-game updates, scores, and analysis. Don’t miss a moment of this thrilling showdown between two of the WTA’s brightest stars.
Who will emerge victorious and claim the Australian Open title? Follow along to find out!
