Boldly predicting who will win the Men's Australian Open

With the Australian Open now underway, tennis is officially back in 2025. The Melbourne-based tournament is always a hot start, both literally and figuratively, to the tennis season, and we can’t wait to see how the sport’s big names are looking in 2025.

To get in the spirit of things, let’s take a look at who we think are primed to take out this year’s title. For a tournament that always throws up a few surprises, this is bound to age badly, but let’s give it a go!

Andrey Rublev’s explosive game saw the Russian win a title in Hong Kong and make the quarterfinals of the Australian Open in 2024. At Wimbledon, however, he would be eliminated in the first round. While inconsistency remains his Achilles’ heel, his ability to overwhelm opponents with powerful groundstrokes makes him a perennial threat in Melbourne.

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Grigor Dimitrov enjoyed a resurgent 2024 season, reaching the round of 16 in both the US Open and Wimbledon, the latter of which saw him comeback from a two sets to love deficit to beat Shang Juncheng. His one-handed backhand remains one of the most elegant weapons in tennis, and his improved fitness and focus have helped him reclaim a place among the elite. Though often overshadowed by younger stars, Dimitrov’s experience and versatile game could see him surprise many in Melbourne.

The home favorite enters Melbourne with immense crowd support and a career-best season behind him. Alex De Minaur made it to the quarterfinals in both Wimbledom and the US Open, showcasing his relentless speed and counterpunching ability. He also became the first Australian to enter the ATP Tour Finals in November since Lleyton Hewitt, capping off the year on a positive note. The Aussie will relish the chance to shine on home soil.

Casper Ruud continued his steady climb in 2024, winning two titles and earning his place in the top 10 once again. While he’s more renowned for his clay-court prowess, his work ethic, aggression and ability to adapt to different conditions could propel him into the second week.

Daniil Medvedev’s consistency on hard courts remains one of his greatest strengths. Although he didn't win a single title in 2024, he reached the finals in multiple key tournaments. His tactical approach and ability to outlast opponents in marathon matches ensure he’ll be a force to be reckoned with in Melbourne.

Taylor Fritz had his career-best year in 2024, winning a major hard-court title and breaking into the top five for the first time. Known for his big serve and forehand, Fritz thrives on fast surfaces, making him a dangerous dark horse at the Australian Open. His rivalry with Alexander Zverev is also sure to be something to look out for. Fritz has beaten Zverev in their last three encounters in 2024, including a five-setter at Wimbledon and a four-setter at the US Open

On that note, World Number 2 Alexander Zverev possibly has the most to prove of anybody at the Oz Open this year. He narrowly missed out on the final at last year’s tournament after blowing a two set lead over Daniil Medvedev, and then in May he was beaten in five sets by Carlos Alcaraz at the French Open. For such a talented player, he has always fallen short in the big moments – will he finally turn it around in 2025?

The legend and the GOAT, Novak Djokovic enters this year’s open as the seventh seed – his lowest since 2018. But the Serbian knows the Australian Open better than anybody, winning a record 10 times. Even at 37, 'Djoker' has it in him to win Grand Slams, and if he has a chance at winning one this year it’s going to be in Melbourne.

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Perhaps a surprising spot, as Jannik Sinner enters the Open not only as the top seeded and world number 1, but also the 2024 Oz Open winner. He also finished off 2024 in stunning fashion, winning the US Open and the ATP Finals so it makes sense that most pundits are picking the Italian to go all the way again, we just have a hunch that he’s going to experience a dip in form as he enters the new season off the back of such a momentous year.

Carlos Alcaraz had a fantastic 2024, winning both Roland Garros and Wimbledon, even if he fell off a little towards the end of the season. But the world number 3 is not just a quality player, he’s perhaps the most outwardly ambitious player in this pack, and we think he’s going to use the recent dip in form to drive him to success at this year’s Open.

But there's talent right across the board here, so let's take a look at some outsiders who could make a deep run to the finals.

Ben Shelton dazzled the tennis world in 2024, winning his first clay title at the US Men's Clay Court Championship and became the American Number 1. His fearless approach, coupled with a booming serve and natural athleticism, makes him a wildcard in any tournament. The young American’s ability to rise to big occasions could see him make waves in Melbourne.

Holger Rune had a mixed 2024, slipping out of the top 10 and settling at number 13 after some upset losses, including a first round exit from the US Open. But the 21-year-old is stacked with potential and after reuniting with childhood coach Lars Christiansen, we’re picking Rune will return to form in 2025, starting in Melbourne.

One of the breakout stars of 2024, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard made waves with his first ATP title and a string of victories over established players. His powerful serve and imposing physical presence have made him a nightmare to face, particularly on faster surfaces. Though untested in the later stages of a Grand Slam, his fearless attitude and raw talent suggest he could make a statement in Melbourne.

What do you think? Who do you think is likely to be holding the trophy at the end of the January?

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