Top Seeds and Contenders

1. Jannik Sinner (ITA)

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has been a revelation in the 2024 season, claiming multiple titles, including the US Open. His consistency and aggressive baseline play make him the favorite heading into Melbourne. However, pressure as the top seed could weigh on him as he seeks his first Australian Open title.

2. Alexander Zverev (GER)

Zverev has found renewed form after a challenging period recovering from injuries. He enters the tournament with confidence from a solid 2024 season that included finals at ATP Masters events. His big serve and strong backhand make him a threat on the fast hard courts of Melbourne.

3. Carlos Alcaraz (ESP)

Alcaraz remains one of the most dynamic players on the tour, with his aggressive all-court game. His experience and fitness will make him a key contender.

4. Taylor Fritz (USA)

The American No. 1 has quietly risen up the rankings with consistent performances in big events. Fritz’s serve and forehand are potent weapons, but his ability to handle the pressure of the latter rounds at Slams remains a question mark.

5. Daniil Medvedev (RUS)

A former Australian Open champion, Medvedev’s unorthodox style and incredible defensive skills make him a perennial favorite on hard courts. He struggled with injuries late in 2024 but is always dangerous in Melbourne.

Notable Returnees

18 PR. Pablo Carreño Busta (ESP)

Returning from injury using his protected ranking, Carreño Busta will be a wildcard in the draw. His solid baseline game and experience make him a dangerous floater in the early rounds.

48 PR. Kei Nishikori (JPN)

The former US Open finalist makes a long-awaited return to Grand Slam tennis. Nishikori’s sharp groundstrokes and court sense could make him a tricky opponent for higher seeds.

94 Sumit Nagal (IND)

Rising Stars

21. Arthur Fils (FRA)

At just 20 years old, Fils is one of the brightest talents in men’s tennis. With an explosive game and growing confidence, he could make a deep run in Melbourne and turn heads.

22. Ben Shelton (USA)

Shelton’s electrifying game, particularly his serve and lefty forehand, has propelled him into the spotlight. After a breakout 2024 season, the Melbourne crowd could witness his first big Slam breakthrough.

46. Zhizhen Zhang (CHN)

Zhang has been steadily climbing the rankings and represents the growing strength of Chinese tennis. A big server with a powerful game, Zhang is poised for a strong showing.

42. Alex Michelsen (USA)

At just 19, Michelsen has emerged as a future star with his all-court game. His youthful exuberance and confidence make him one to watch.

Veterans to Watch

7. Novak Djokovic (SRB)

A 10-time Australian Open champion, Djokovic remains a significant force despite his advancing age. Injuries disrupted parts of his 2024 campaign, but his experience and mental toughness are unparalleled in Melbourne.

58. Denis Shapovalov (CAN)

Shapovalov’s aggressive shot-making has often been a double-edged sword. While inconsistent throughout 2024, he’s capable of beating anyone on his day and could provide fireworks in the early rounds.

57. Gael Monfils (FRA)

The showman returns to Melbourne with his trademark flair and athleticism. While past his peak, Monfils remains a fan favorite who can still trouble top players.

Dark Horses

35. Matteo Berrettini (ITA)

Berrettini’s powerful serve and forehand combination make him dangerous on any surface. He’ll look to regain the form that once made him a Grand Slam finalist.

43. Jan-Lennard Struff (GER)

Struff’s late-career resurgence has been fueled by his aggressive net play and booming serve. On quick hard courts, he could cause upsets.

30. Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN)

Felix endured an up-and-down 2024 but is too talented to be discounted. If his serve and confidence click, he has the game to reach the latter stages.

Players with Momentum

13. Holger Rune (DEN)

Rune’s fearless style and excellent fitness make him a dangerous competitor. While inconsistent at times, he’s shown the ability to beat the very best on big stages.

24. Alejandro Tabilo (CHI)

Tabilo has enjoyed a career-best year and enters Melbourne with confidence. His left-handed game and versatility could trouble even the top seeds.

32. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard (FRA)

The young Frenchman is rapidly rising in the ranks. His athleticism and powerful strokes have drawn comparisons to Monfils.

Players in Search of Form

29. Jiri Lehecka (CZE)

Lehecka’s promising start to the year was derailed by injuries, and Melbourne will be an opportunity for him to reset.

34. Alexander Bublik (KAZ)

Bublik’s unpredictable game can dazzle or disappoint. Which version of Bublik shows up could determine how far he progresses.

56. Miomir Kecmanovic (SRB)

Kecmanovic’s consistent baseline game has faltered in recent months. He’ll need to rediscover his confidence to compete with the best.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Australian Open promises a compelling mix of established stars, rising talents, and intriguing comeback stories. Jannik Sinner’s top billing will be tested by a field hungry to dethrone him. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic’s quest for an 11th title adds another layer of drama. Fans should also keep an eye on rising stars like Arthur Fils and Ben Shelton, who could shake up the draw.