As the calendar flips to a new year, the 2025 professional tennis season is officially underway, and all eyes are on the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year. Held from January 12–26, the tournament is the traditional starting point for the men’s and women’s pro tours. This year’s event promises to be filled with fresh faces, bold predictions, and significant changes. Here’s everything you need to know about the opening chapter of 2025 tennis.
Notable News and Headlines from the Australian Open 2025
The first major tournament of the year always brings excitement, and this season’s Australian Open is no exception, with several key stories already making headlines:
- Record Prize Money: The 2025 Australian Open boasts a record-breaking total purse of 96.5 million Australian dollars (over $59 million USD), marking a 12% increase from last year and more than double the prize money of a decade ago. Singles champions will earn 3.5 million Australian dollars ($2.15 million USD), up 11%. Continuing a trend of significant annual growth across major tournaments, the event sets the financial tone for the tennis season, despite recent currency fluctuations impacting international players’ earnings.
- Novak Djokovic’s Big Announcement: Andy Murray as Coach: In an unexpected twist, Novak Djokovic announced that former world number one Andy Murray would be his new coach ahead of the Australian Open. As Djokovic pursues a record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam title, he seeks guidance from the British legend, who, despite his own injury struggles, remains one of the most tactical and mentally resilient players in modern tennis. Djokovic’s decision to team up with Murray adds another layer of intrigue to the men’s draw, and fans are eager to see how their partnership develops.
- Coco Gauff’s “New szn, better me” Promise Comes to Life Coco Gauff, who made a major impact in the 2024 season, is living up to her Promise for the new year. The American star secured the United Cup title in dominant fashion, indicating she is more prepared than ever to claim the top spot in women’s tennis. With her impeccable form leading up to the 2025 Australian Open, many consider her a favorite to advance deep into the tournament.
- Rachel Stuhlmann, tennis influencer and social media sensation, announced a last-minute coaching assignment to prep a player at the Australian Open. Stuhlmann, a former college tennis star turned sexy social influencer with 300,000 followers on Instagram, shared this exciting news on social media, along with a photo of her official pass for the first Grand Slam tournament of the season.
Local Hero Alex de Minaur Eyes Breakthrough at Home
One player eager to make a significant impact is Alex de Minaur. The world number eight, hailing from Sydney, is aiming for his first quarter-final appearance on home turf. De Minaur has been playing with newfound confidence, and many are excited to see how far he can go in front of the home crowd at Melbourne Park. “I’m playing with a lot more confidence,” says de Minaur. “There’s something special about playing at home, and I’m looking forward to giving it my best shot.”
New Gear, New Adventures: The 2025 Season’s Gear and Partnerships
As the 2025 tennis season kicks off, athletes are entering the new year with new goals and updated equipment. One notable change involves Team Yonex, as players like Casper Ruud, Ben Shelton, and Jessica Pegula begin their seasons with fresh gear to enhance their performance.
- Casper Ruud’s New Journey Norwegian star Casper Ruud is embarking on a new adventure with Yonex racquets this year. After a strong 2024, where he climbed back into the top 10, Ruud aims for even higher honors with his new gear. His solid all-around game and mental resilience make him one to watch in the upcoming months.
- Ben Shelton and Jessica Pegula: Ready for Melbourne Magic Both Ben Shelton and Jessica Pegula are set for another breakout year in 2025, thanks in part to their upgraded EZONE racquets. Shelton, who turned heads with his outstanding performance at the Australian Open last year, aims to build on his success. Pegula has also made significant strides in recent seasons. She hopes to go further in Melbourne, where she has had strong showings.
How to Watch the 2025 Australian Open
For fans in the U.S., the Australian Open can be followed with extensive coverage on ESPN. Tennis enthusiasts can catch all the action live on ESPN and ESPN+, with a streaming hub dedicated to the tournament, ensuring that no match or moment is missed. As the first major of the season gets underway, tennis fans worldwide are gearing up for what promises to be another thrilling year filled with highs, heartbreaks, and unforgettable performances. With new partnerships, exciting players, and the first Grand Slam on the horizon, 2025 is shaping up to be a memorable year for the sport.
Other Key Tournaments in the Aussie Swing
While the Australian Open will dominate the headlines, several other exciting tournaments are scheduled at the start of the season:
- Queensland International – Venue: Queensland Tennis Centre, Brisbane The Queensland International #1 is the first major stop on the men’s tour in Australia and a prime chance for players to hone their game ahead of the Australian Open.
- Burnie International – Venue: Burnie Tennis Club, Tasmania. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, the Burnie International is an important warm-up tournament for players seeking to sharpen their skills before the Grand Slam in Melbourne.
- Launceston International – Venue: Launceston Regional Tennis Centre, Tasmania Another crucial preparation event in Tasmania, where players can fine-tune their form in a more intimate setting before heading to the Australian Open.
Get ready, tennis fans – it’s going to be a wild ride!
