Aryna Sabalenka is set to begin her campaign for an unprecedented third consecutive Australian Open title when the tournament kicks off on Sunday. The world No. 1 from Belarus will headline the evening session on Rod Laver Arena, facing a challenging first-round match against 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens.
Meanwhile, men's second seed Alexander Zverev will close the night against Lucas Pouille, a former semifinalist at Melbourne Park in 2019. Earlier in the day, China's Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen will start proceedings on centre court against Romania's Anca Todoni.
Sabalenka has her sights set on joining an elite group of players, including Martina Hingis, Margaret Court, and Monica Seles, by claiming a third consecutive Australian Open title.
Fresh off a victory at the Brisbane International, Sabalenka enters the tournament as the player to beat after a stellar 2024 season, which included her maiden US Open win.
"I know I have the opportunity to make history, and that’s what motivates me," she said, embracing the pressure of her No. 1 ranking. Her impressive recent form reinforces her status as the favorite to lift the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup once again.
Germany's Alexander Zverev, currently ranked No. 2 in the world, also enters the Australian Open with high expectations, following a strong 2024 season in which he reached the Roland Garros final. Zverev aims to capture his first Grand Slam title and believes his mindset is primed for success.
In the women’s draw, Zheng Qinwen is another player to watch, as she seeks to build on her breakthrough 2024 season that included an Olympic gold medal and three WTA titles. Despite three losses to Sabalenka last year, Zheng is optimistic about narrowing the gap, saying, "Each match against her is getting closer, which motivates me to push harder."
Elsewhere in the tournament, Casper Ruud, seeded sixth in the men’s draw, will begin his journey against Spain’s Jaume Munar. The Norwegian will look to improve upon his recent performances and make a deep run in Melbourne. As the first Grand Slam of the year unfolds, the spotlight will remain on the top contenders and the potential for upsets, with players like Sabalenka, Zverev, and Zheng poised to make their mark.
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