The draw for the 2025 Australian Open has been confirmed, delivering a mixed bag of fortune for the home nation's players. While some have navigable openers, several top Australian hopes face formidable first-round hurdles, casting a shadow over local prospects at Melbourne Park.
Men's Draw Poses Early Tests
The headline news from the men's singles draw is a daunting start for sixth seed Alex de Minaur. The Sydney-raised star, one of the nation's leading contenders, will open his campaign against the powerful Italian Matteo Berrettini, a former Wimbledon finalist. Should 'Demon' progress, a potential third-round clash with explosive American Frances Tiafoe could await.
Further complicating the Australian narrative, wildcard Adam Walton drew the shortest of straws, landing a first-round meeting with world number one Carlos Alcaraz. Other locals received more favourable assignments: Alexei Popyrin faces France's Alexandre Muller, Jordan Thompson meets Juan Manuel Cerundolo, and Rinky Hijikata takes on Adrian Mannarino.
Chris O'Connell and James Duckworth will play qualifiers, while Aleksandar Vukic is set to battle Argentine Thiago Agustin Tirante. Frenchman Corentin Moutet, meanwhile, must contend with both opponent Tristan Schoolkate and a vocal local crowd.
Kokkinakis Forced to Withdraw from Singles
In a significant blow to the Australian contingent, Thanasi Kokkinakis has withdrawn from the men's singles competition. The 29-year-old, who has battled persistent injuries, confirmed the news via an Instagram story on Thursday.
"Unfortunately after speaking with my team and doctors I have made the decision to pull out of the Australian Open singles," Kokkinakis posted. "After an incredibly tough year this was the event I was looking forward to the most, but I'm not ready yet."
He added that he is "doing everything I can to be back to 100 per cent" and confirmed he still plans to compete in the doubles event with Nick Kyrgios, with whom he famously won the title in 2022.
Women's Draw and Tournament Schedule
In the women's singles, Australian attention will focus on 30th seed Maya Joint, who faces a first-round test against Czech player Tereza Valentova. Daria Kasatkina and Kimberly Birrell have drawn qualifiers, as have Ajla Tomljanovic and Priscilla Hon.
Talia Gibson meets Anna Blinkova, Emerson Jones plays fellow teenager Victoria Mboko, and Taylah Preston will do battle with Shuai Zhang.
Play at Melbourne Park is scheduled to begin on Sunday, January 18. The draw's revelation sets the stage for a fortnight of high drama, with Australian fans hoping their local heroes can overcome the challenging paths laid out before them.
