The 2025 Australian Open commenced amidst a mix of triumphant displays and meteorological disruptions. Zheng Qinwen, the fifth seed and reigning Olympic champion, marked the beginning of the tournament on Rod Laver Arena, ultimately overcoming a shaky start to defeat Romania’s Anca Todoni. Despite holding three set points at 5-3 in the opening set, Zheng conceded ground, allowing Todoni back into the contest. However, she regained composure, dominating the tiebreak and the subsequent set to secure a 7-6 (7/3), 6-1 victory. Zheng, who experienced a remarkable 2024 punctuated by Olympic gold and three WTA titles, acknowledged the initial difficulty, expressing relief at finding her rhythm as the match progressed.
The nascent stages of the tournament were swiftly interrupted by inclement weather. Barely an hour after matches began on outside courts, a violent storm descended upon Melbourne Park, forcing players and spectators to seek shelter. The ensuing deluge and accompanying thunder and lightning presented a logistical challenge for organizers, creating a potential backlog of matches. Play was suspended on all courts except the three main stadiums – Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, and John Cain Arena – which are equipped with retractable roofs. This highlighted the vulnerability of the tournament schedule to unpredictable weather conditions.
Amidst the disruptions, some players managed to complete their matches before the storm hit. Mirra Andreeva, the 14th seed, comfortably dispatched Marie Bouzkova in straight sets on John Cain Arena, securing her place in the second round. The 17-year-old Russian, who reached the fourth round in Melbourne the previous year, expressed her satisfaction at playing in a roofed stadium, acknowledging the difficulty posed by the changing conditions during the match. Andreeva, coached by former Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez, awaits the winner of the match between Magda Linette and Moyika Uchijima.
The evening session on Rod Laver Arena featured world number one Aryna Sabalenka, who embarked on her quest for a historic third consecutive Australian Open title. Sabalenka faced a challenging encounter against Sloane Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion. A victory would place Sabalenka in an elite group of women, joining Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles, and Martina Hingis as the only players to achieve a three-peat in Melbourne. Sabalenka acknowledged the significance of this achievement, expressing her desire to etch her name in tennis history.
Sabalenka, fresh from her victory at the Brisbane International, embraced the pressure of being the top seed and the player to beat. Following a career-best season in 2024, which culminated in her maiden US Open title, Sabalenka relishes the challenge and motivation that comes with being the target. Her confidence and drive are palpable as she navigates the tournament, aiming to solidify her position as a dominant force in women’s tennis.
The men’s draw featured second seed Alexander Zverev, who aimed to build on his career-high ranking and challenge for his first Grand Slam title. Zverev, who finished runner-up to Carlos Alcaraz at the French Open in 2024, faced the unpredictable Lucas Pouille, a former Australian Open semi-finalist. Zverev acknowledged the expectation that comes with being ranked number two, emphasizing his ambition to win the tournament. Elsewhere, sixth seed Casper Ruud commenced his campaign against Spain’s Jaume Munar. The opening day of the Australian Open set the stage for a thrilling tournament, showcasing both established stars and emerging talents, while also highlighting the unpredictable nature of Grand Slam events, subject to both sporting prowess and the whims of nature.
