Jannik Sinner will hope to defend his Australian Open title in January – Getty Images/Martin Keep
As is customary, the Australian Open will kick-start the new tennis season in the new year.
The 2025 tennis season actually gets underway in 2024 with the United Cup in late December with a number of nations competing in the team event.
The first major of the year then begins a few weeks later with defending champions Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka the favourites to claim victory again.
When does the Australian Open start and finish?
Australian Open once again starts on a Sunday, this year beginning on Jan 12, 2025. The final day of the 15-day event is Jan 26.
When does Australian Open qualifying start?
The qualifying tournament takes place between Jan 6-9.
When do the Australian Open finals take place?
The women’s final will take place on Saturday, Jan 25 with the men’s final on the following day, Jan 26.
Where is the Australian Open held?
Melbourne Park is the venue for the Australian Open. Rod Laver Arena, named in honour of Australian great Rod Laver, is the main stadium with 15,000 seats.
John Cain Arena, Margaret Court Arena, Court 3, 1573 Arena and the Kia Arena are the other major venues on the grounds.
Rod Laver Arena is one of the best venues in tennis – AP/Andy Wong
How to buy Australian Open tickets
You can buy tickets for the tournament here.
How to watch the Australian Open on TV and streaming in the UK
In the UK, Eurosport has the broadcasting rights to live action from Melbourne.
Tim Henman and Laura Robson are part of the presenting team with expert punditry from the likes of John McEnroe and Mats Wilander.
How to watch the Australian Open on TV in the US
ESPN has the broadcasting rights to show the tournament.
When is the Australian Open draw?
The main draw will be made on Jan 9.
Will Jannik Sinner play?
As it stands yes. But the Italian is waiting for the result of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport over his two failed doping tests earlier this year.
The 23-year-old tested positive for clostebol in March but an independent panel found there was “no fault or negligence” attached to the player.
If Wada is successful, Sinner could be banned from tennis for up to two years.
Why is Andy Murray coaching Novak Djokovic?
After failing to win a grand slam for the first time since 2017, Djokovic has turned to one of his great rivals, Andy Murray, in a bid to challenge Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
Murray is due to help Djokovic during pre-season training and at the Australian Open.
“He knows my game and everything that I have been through very well,” said Djokovic, currently No 7 in the ATP rankings. “He knows the things that are wrong with my game, all of my mistakes.”
Which British players will be involved?
There are six British players who have a place in the main draw: Jack Draper, Cameron Norrie, Katie Boulter, Emma Raducanu, Jodie Burrage and Sonay Kartal.
Jacob Fearnley, who surged into the top 100 after leaving US college last spring, is currently first alternate and should make it into the main draw through a withdrawal.
Dan Evans, Harriet Dart, Francesca Jones, Heather Watson and Lily Miyazaki are expected to enter the qualifying tournament.
Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter will be targeting a good run in Melbourne – Getty Images/Nathan Stirk
Who are the defending Australian Open champions?
Jannik Sinner won his first grand slam when he fought back from two sets down to beat Daniil Medvedev 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 in three hours and 44 minutes.
In the women’s final, Aryna Sabalenka was too strong China’s Qinwen Zheng, winning 6-3 6-2 to warn her second Australian Open title.
Latest odds
To win the men’s title
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Jannik Sinner 2/1
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Carlos Alcaraz 5/2
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Novak Djokovic 4/1
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Alexander Zverev 10/1
To win the women’s title
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Aryna Sabalenka 5/2
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Iga Swiatek 9/2
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Coco Gauff 11/2
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Qinwen Zheng 10/1
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