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The countdown is almost over. Tonight, the Australian Open 2025—the first Grand Slam of the tennis season—kicks off in Melbourne. Leading the draw is world number one Jannik Sinner, the defending champion and the top favorite for this edition, ahead of contenders Alcaraz and Djokovic. However, the first big name to make his debut will be ATP world number two Alexander Zverev.
The opening day’s matches are set for the early hours of Sunday (Italian time), featuring two Italians in the main draw. Qualifier Matteo Gigante faces a tough challenge against world number 14 Ugo Humbert, while Luciano Darderi takes on Spain’s Pedro Martinez. Zverev, meanwhile, will go head-to-head with former top 10 player Lucas Pouille, currently ranked 104th in the world.
Among the seeded players, Casper Ruud is set to make his debut against Spain’s Jaume Munar, while Arthur Fils and Jiri Lehecka will face Virtanen and Australian wildcard Li Tu, respectively. The first match of the day will see another local player, Omar Jasika, take on France’s Hugo Gaston.
Other notable first-round clashes include Lebanese player Habib, ranked 219th in the world, against China’s Bu, as well as Nishikori versus Monteiro, Onclin against Opelka, Faria-Kotov, and Walton-Halys. Czech 26th seed Tomas Machac will play India’s Sumit Nagal, while rising star Shang, born in 2005, will face Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Rounding out the day are Dzumhur versus Vukic and Nishioka against Dougaz.
All eyes are on Jannik Sinner and the remaining Italians who will begin their campaigns on Monday. A total of nine Italian players will compete in the 2025 Australian Open, promising exciting action for Italian tennis fans.
