MELBOURNE, Jan 7, (V7N) – World number one Aryna Sabalenka is on the cusp of history as she aims to clinch her third consecutive Australian Open title. However, her path to glory is far from assured, with stiff competition expected from Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, and last year’s runner-up Zheng Qinwen.

Fresh off a dominant win at the Brisbane International, Sabalenka, 26, is poised to continue her stellar form. The Belarusian dropped only one set en route to the title, signaling her readiness for Melbourne.

“I definitely feel confident in my game,” said Sabalenka, who won both the Australian Open and US Open in 2024, along with two WTA 1000 titles. Should she secure the Melbourne crown, she would become the first woman since Martina Hingis (1997–1999) to win the Australian Open three years in a row.

Gauff’s Rising Confidence

World number three Coco Gauff has emerged as a serious contender after a stunning performance in the United Cup final, where she defeated Swiatek 6-4, 6-4. The 20-year-old American capped a breakthrough 2024 with a WTA Finals victory and her maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open.

“After the US Open, I proved that I could do it. I definitely have the belief that I can win,” Gauff stated confidently ahead of the tournament.

Swiatek’s Comeback and Challenges

World number two Iga Swiatek is seeking to shake off a tumultuous start to the season. Returning from a one-month doping suspension in 2024, the five-time Grand Slam champion reached the United Cup final before falling to Gauff.

Swiatek has struggled to find success in Melbourne, with a semi-final finish in 2022 being her best showing. She enters the tournament with lingering questions about her fitness after playing with a strapped left thigh during the United Cup.

China’s Zheng Qinwen, who captured Olympic gold and reached last year’s Australian Open final, is entering the tournament without a warm-up event. Despite the unconventional preparation, her 2024 achievements have solidified her as a formidable force.

Other Contenders to Watch

Naomi Osaka: The two-time Australian Open champion is steadily finding her rhythm under coach Patrick Mouratoglou. Ranked 50, Osaka reached the Auckland final but withdrew with a minor abdominal issue, making her an unseeded yet dangerous opponent.

Mirra Andreeva: The 17-year-old Russian continues her rise as a future Grand Slam star. Despite losing to Sabalenka in Brisbane, her performance hinted at her potential to challenge the world’s best.

Jasmine Paolini: The late-blooming Italian reached major finals at Roland Garros and Wimbledon in 2024 and remains a dark horse in the draw.

Defending Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova has withdrawn from the tournament due to a back injury, leaving the field open for other challengers to make their mark.

With a mix of proven champions and rising stars, the 2025 Australian Open promises a thrilling start to the Grand Slam season.

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