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Sinner, Djokovic in Opposite Halves of Australian Open Draw

Sinner, Djokovic in Opposite Halves of Australian Open Draw/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Australian Open draw sets Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic on opposite sides, preventing a semifinal rematch of last year. Defending women’s champion Aryna Sabalenka faces Sloane Stephens in the first round, while Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek, and Naomi Osaka headline competitive brackets. The tournament kicks off Sunday in Melbourne.

Defending champions Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner attend the official draw ceremony ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Australian Open 2025: Quick Looks

  • Men’s Bracket: Defending champ Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic avoid early matchups.
  • Women’s Bracket: Aryna Sabalenka opens against Sloane Stephens; Coco Gauff faces Sofia Kenin.
  • Key Matchups: Djokovic vs. Alcaraz possible quarterfinal; Sabalenka could meet Gauff in semifinals.
  • Player Highlights: Djokovic joins with new coach Andy Murray; Kyrgios faces fitness concerns.
  • Tournament Dates: Begins Sunday, January 12, lasting 15 days.

Sinner, Djokovic in Opposite Halves of Australian Open Draw

Deep Look

Sinner and Djokovic on Separate Paths

The 2025 Australian Open draw has defending champion Jannik Sinner and 10-time winner Novak Djokovic in opposite halves, making a repeat of last year’s thrilling semifinal clash impossible before the final. Sinner, who shocked Djokovic en route to his maiden Grand Slam title in 2024, opens against Nicolas Jarry.

The top-seeded Italian could face challenges from Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, and Daniil Medvedev in his quarter. Medvedev, a former finalist, will look to avenge last year’s loss should they meet again. Fritz faces fellow American Jenson Brooksby in the first round, adding an early layer of intrigue.

Djokovic, meanwhile, is seeded fourth and could meet third-seeded Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals. A potential semifinal against Alexander Zverev looms, promising high-stakes battles in the later stages.

Sabalenka Aims for Three-Peat

Aryna Sabalenka, the two-time defending women’s champion, returns to Melbourne Park with history in her sights. She seeks to become the first player since Martina Hingis (1997–1999) to win three consecutive Australian Open titles. Her campaign begins with a challenging first-round match against 2017 U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens.

Sabalenka’s draw includes young sensation Mirra Andreeva and last year’s finalist Zheng Qinwen, making her path to the finals anything but easy.

Speaking at the draw ceremony, Sabalenka expressed optimism: “I have a lot of great memories here. I hope I can keep doing what I’m doing in Australia.”

Key Contenders in the Women’s Draw

Third-seeded Coco Gauff is a potential semifinal opponent for Sabalenka but faces a tough opener against former champion Sofia Kenin. Gauff’s section also includes Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam winner, and seventh-seeded Jessica Pegula, ensuring a competitive field.

On the other half, No. 2 seed Iga Swiatek and 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina will look to capitalize on favorable matchups to advance deep into the tournament.

Djokovic’s Redemption Arc and Coaching Changes

Novak Djokovic, who has dominated the Australian Open with 10 titles, is eager to reclaim his crown after being dethroned last year. He enters the tournament under the guidance of a new coach, former rival and three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray.

Despite his unparalleled success in Melbourne, Djokovic acknowledged lingering “trauma” from his forced absence in 2022 due to visa and vaccination controversies. Now back, he’s determined to make his mark and add to his legacy.

Nick Kyrgios: A Wild Card Once Again

Australian star Nick Kyrgios remains a question mark heading into the tournament. The 2022 Wimbledon runner-up withdrew from an exhibition match against Djokovic due to an abdominal strain but is slated to face Jacob Fearnley in the first round. If healthy, Kyrgios will compete in a section featuring Zverev, setting up potential fireworks.

Tournament Overview

The Australian Open begins Sunday, January 12, and runs for 15 days. Fans can anticipate thrilling matchups as both established champions and rising stars battle for glory in Melbourne.


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