- Ash Barty famously retired after winning the 2022 title
- The Australian Open starts on Sunday
Former world number 1 Ash Barty has revealed who she thinks will win at this year’s Australian Open – and she tips two stars who have never won the singles title in Melbourne before.
The opening Grand Slam of the 2025 season is almost here, with the world’s best tennis players heading to Melbourne Park for the Australian Open from Sunday.
Italian world number 1 Jannik Sinner took his first Major crown at last year’s event and is the favorite to do so again this time.
Serbian ace Novak Djokovic will focus on claiming his 25th career Grand Slam – and, astonishingly, his 11th title at Melbourne Park.
Barty, who won three Grand Slam women’s singles titles, believes both players will be difficult to beat but predicts a first winner this year.
“I think it’s Daniil Medvedev’s time in Melbourne,” she revealed The era.
Former world number 1 Ash Barty has predicted two surprise names to win at Melbourne Park
Barty says reigning men’s champion Jannik Sinner (pictured) will be tough to beat but doesn’t think he will go all the way
‘Get ready. It’s going to be a huge few weeks.”
Meanwhile, in many people’s eyes, Aryna Sabalenka is the big favorite to win the women’s crown by defending the title she won in 2023 and 2024.
“One of the most important qualities she has developed is great consistency,” says Barty.
‘Besides, the Australian Open is of course hers. Aryna now plays very comfortably in the latter stages of slams, equipped with the right temperament.”
Barty believes American Coco Gauff and China’s Zheng Qinwen will also be in the mix, but has once again picked a new winner for the iconic event.
‘But who’s my tip to win? I chose world number 6 and former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina,” said Barty.
“I think she is ideally placed to go one step further in Melbourne after being defeated in an epic three-set final against Sabalenka two years ago.”
Barty announced on Christmas Eve that she is expecting a second child with her husband Garry Kissick.
Barty believes Daniil Medvedev will claim the men’s singles title at the Australian Open after losing last year’s final in heartbreaking fashion after winning the first two sets (pictured)
Aryna Sabalenka is the big favorite to make it three in a row in Melbourne – but not with Barty
The Australian great believes world number 6 and former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina will win
The couple posted a photo of their son Hayden standing in front of a Christmas tree, wearing a T-shirt that read, “I’m going to be a BIG BROTHER.”
The caption on the post read: “Merry Christmas from our growing family to yours!”
The 28-year-old retired from tennis in March 2022 and says she still feels very comfortable with the decision.
“I think there was probably a normal fear or insecurity in not knowing what my life would be like after playing tennis, after being so focused,” she told the New York Times.
‘I was a little unsure how I would deal with that, because I’m someone who likes to be organized.
“There was probably a little bit of fear in there, but overall it wasn’t an issue, no worry or concern.
“What’s surprising in a good way is that I’ve fallen quite seamlessly into this life that’s just like anyone else. That’s actually always what I wanted.’