The buzz is building as the Australian Open 2025 kicks off on January 11th in Melbourne, and with so much excitement surrounding this year’s tournament, tennis fans everywhere are eager to tune in. The event is not only one of the biggest tennis competitions globally but also marks the start of the Grand Slam season. With defending champions Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner looking to retain their titles, and Novak Djokovic chasing history, there is plenty to watch for. Here’s what you need to know to enjoy every thrilling moment of the tournament!
DJOKOVIC: Hires former rival Andy Murray as new coach for 2025 Australian Open
This year, all eyes will be on Novak Djokovic, the legendary player who is gunning for his 11th Australian Open title. In a surprising twist, he has brought in Andy Murray, his former rival, as his new coach. This unique partnership is sure to spark conversation among tennis enthusiasts and analysts alike. Fans are eager to see how this collaboration will impact Djokovic’s performance as he aims for his 25th overall Grand Slam victory.
Australian Open time difference
It’s important for viewers in the United States to note the time difference, as the tournament begins during the evening in Melbourne. Matches will kick off on January 11th with the first round of men’s and women’s singles starting in the early morning hours in the U.S., specifically as early as 3 a.m. EST. This timing is crucial to plan your viewing schedule so you don’t miss out on any action.
How to watch the Australian Open
- All matches will be broadcast on ESPN platforms, including ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN+.
- For those preferring to stream, FuboTV offers streaming access to the matches, with a free trial available for new users.
- Keep an eye on the timings as matches will air at different times throughout the day.
Australian Open match schedule
The excitement ramps up with the opening matches on January 13th, featuring the likes of Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Nick Kyrgios, who will all compete at the same time. Each player will be facing different opponents on various courts, leading to a tough choice for fans who want to see all their favorites. Djokovic’s match against Nisesh Basavareddy is set for 7 PM at Rod Laver Arena, while Alcaraz will play Alexander Shevchenko at the same time on Margaret Court Arena. Kyrgios will also be battling Jacob Fearnley at the John Cain Arena.
Tennis fans have been left baffled at Australian Open organisers
The organizers of the Australian Open have come under fire for their scheduling decisions, which led to all three top players playing their opening matches concurrently. Many fans expressed disappointment as they felt forced to choose who to watch, despite the tournament extending the first round over three days to avoid late-night finishes.
More than a million fans are expected to attend the Australian Open over the next two weeks
This year, the Australian Open is anticipated to draw over one million spectators, surpassing last year’s attendance records. With an enormous turnout expected, Tennis Australia is embarking on a 12-month planning process to enhance the Melbourne Park experience further. Tennis Australia is also investing in infrastructure upgrades and diversifying activities beyond the court, which will provide a richer experience for fans.
A redevelopment costing close to $1bn was only recently completed
Recently, a significant redevelopment worth nearly $1 billion has been concluded, enhancing the facilities at Melbourne Park and setting the stage for an even better Australian Open experience. This summer, fans visiting the tournament can appreciate the state-of-the-art setups and enjoy tennis matches as part of a broader entertainment agenda, designed to cater to everyone, from die-hard tennis enthusiasts to casual spectators.
| Date | Event | Time (U.S. EST) |
|---|---|---|
| January 11 | First-round matches begin | 3 AM |
| January 13 | Djokovic, Alcaraz, Kyrgios’ opening matches | 7 PM |
| January 25 | Women’s Singles Final | To be announced |
| January 26 | Men’s Singles Final | To be announced |
