Aryna Sabalenka Leads a Talented Pack Of Five Women to Watch at the 2025 Australian Open
As the Australian Open kicks off this Sunday, all eyes will be on the formidable players vying for the first Grand Slam title of the year. Topping the list is world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who enters the tournament as the defending champion and a strong favorite to claim her third consecutive title at Melbourne Park.
However, she faces stiff competition from in-form rivals Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek, as well as rising stars Zheng Qinwen and Mirra Andreeva. Here’s a closer look at these five women to watch closely.
Aryna Sabalenka: The Defending Champion
Aryna Sabalenka, the 26-year-old powerhouse from Belarus, is riding a wave of momentum after an impressive 2024 season. With victories at the US Open and the WTA 1000 in Wuhan, Sabalenka has established herself as the undisputed world No. 1. Her flawless performance in Melbourne since 2022 has made her a formidable opponent, and she began 2025 on a high note by clinching the Brisbane International title, dropping only one set along the way. As she aims for a hat-trick at the Australian Open, Sabalenka’s aggressive baseline game and fierce determination make her a player to beat.
Iga Swiatek: Overcoming Adversity
Iga Swiatek, the 23-year-old Polish sensation, enters the Australian Open with a rollercoaster past year. Despite winning her fourth French Open title in 2024, Swiatek faced a one-month doping ban after testing positive for a heart medication. The International Tennis Integrity Agency concluded the violation was unintentional, allowing her to return to the court with renewed focus. She showcased her resilience at the United Cup, where she led Poland to the finals, losing only one singles match to Gauff. Although Swiatek has struggled in Melbourne, only reaching the semifinals once, her talent and experience make her a dangerous competitor.
Coco Gauff: The Rising Star
Coco Gauff, at just 20 years old, has become one of the hottest players on the WTA Tour. After a period of adjustment following her US Open victory in 2023, Gauff parted ways with her longtime coach and found success under the guidance of Matt Daly. She capped off her 2024 campaign by winning the WTA 1000 in Beijing and the WTA Tour Finals, including a victory over Swiatek in the final. Gauff’s strong performance at the United Cup further solidified her status as a top contender. With her impressive serve and powerful forehand, she has the potential to make a deep run at this year’s Australian Open.
Zheng Qinwen: The Breakthrough Contender
Zheng Qinwen, the 22-year-old from China, is poised for a breakthrough as she enters the Australian Open at a career-high No. 5. After an outstanding 2024 season that included an Olympic gold medal and three WTA titles, Zheng’s confidence is at an all-time high. Known as “Queen Wen,” she came close to Grand Slam glory last year when she reached the final in Melbourne, only to be defeated by Sabalenka. With her powerful serve and aggressive playstyle, Zheng is on the brink of becoming a household name and could challenge Sabalenka once again.
Mirra Andreeva: The Fearless Teen
At just 17 years old, Mirra Andreeva is making waves on the WTA Tour. Ranked 15th in the world, she has already showcased her ability to win on various surfaces, capturing her first WTA title in Iasi, Romania, last summer. With former Grand Slam winner Conchita Martinez as her coach, Andreeva’s potential seems limitless. She made headlines by reaching the semifinals at Roland Garros and even managed to beat Sabalenka earlier in the year. Though she faced a tough loss to Sabalenka in Brisbane, the match was much closer than the final score indicated, proving that Andreeva can compete against the best.
