Melbourne, Jan 9, (V7N) – The Australian Open kicks off this Sunday, promising drama and intrigue on and off the court. Here are five key themes to watch as the year’s first Grand Slam unfolds:

The tournament opens under the shadow of doping controversies. Defending champion Jannik Sinner faced scrutiny after failing two doping tests last year but was cleared, claiming accidental contamination. Meanwhile, five-time major champion Iga Swiatek accepted a one-month ban for testing positive for a banned substance, attributing it to contaminated medication. Both cases highlight ongoing concerns about the sport's anti-doping framework, with further developments anticipated.

Novak Djokovic, the only active player from the "Big Three," is eyeing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title. The 37-year-old Serb, already a 10-time Australian Open winner, seeks redemption after a rare major-less year in 2024, though he claimed Olympic gold. With Andy Murray now coaching him, Djokovic’s pursuit of history adds another layer of intrigue to Melbourne Park.

Aryna Sabalenka enters as the favorite, aiming to defend her Australian Open title for the third straight year. The world number one, also the reigning US Open champion, faces challenges from players like Coco Gauff, who ended 2024 on a high, and Zheng Qinwen, an Olympic gold medalist. Eyes will also be on Naomi Osaka, a two-time Melbourne winner, as she seeks to regain her form.

Djokovic's decision to bring former rival Andy Murray into his coaching team adds a compelling narrative. The dynamic between the two promises intrigue, especially given their history as fierce competitors. Fans will be eager to see how Murray’s coaching debut influences Djokovic’s performance and approach.

Nick Kyrgios is set for a potential comeback after two years plagued by injuries. The enigmatic Australian remains a crowd favorite on home soil, but questions linger about his fitness and form. While expectations are tempered, Kyrgios’ unpredictable nature ensures he remains a must-watch at this year’s tournament.

The Australian Open 2025 promises high-stakes tennis, captivating storylines, and plenty of surprises as the world’s best players vie for glory.

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