📰 Table Of Contents
The Main Event
The third round of the Australian has served up as a treat as two former US Open champions Iga Swiatek and Emma Radacanu go head-to-head.
Polish second seed Swiatek boats a perfect record against Radacanu in previous meetings but this will be the first at a Grand Slam, with the 2021 US Open winner looking back to her best form at the Australian Open so far.
The 22-year-old is yet to drop a set in Melbourne so far, reaching the third round for the first time by seeing off American Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 7-5 on Thursday.
Still, the Brit knows she will go in as underdog against the five-time Grand Slam winner, who is hunting her first major success on Australian soil, having failed to better her semi-final appearance in 2022 in the last two years.
The 23-year-old has barely put a foot wrong so far, carving out two comfortable straight sets victories so far and is undoubtedly one of the favourites to go all the way.
“You live for these matches,” said Raducanu, who is ranked number 61 in the world, adding that she is going into the match with no expectations.
Relentless Raducanu ⚔️@EmmaRaducanu defeats Amanda Anisimova 6-3 7-5, advancing to a maiden third round berth at the #AusOpen.#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/cqLMQl97pk
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 16, 2025
But world number two Swiatek said she will not make the mistake of underestimating the 22-year-old Briton.
“It’s going to be a tough one. Emma can play great tennis. We all know that,” Swiatek told reporters.
“Honestly, there’s no point looking at rankings, especially when you have these great players that have already been through great tournaments and won some tournaments. You know that they can play well.”
Fritz takes on Monfils
The headline match in the men’s singles sees American Taylor Fritz come up against Gail Monfils, who has been rolling back the years in Melbourne so far.
The entertaining Frenchman, 38, who made his Austrlian Open all the way back in 2005, has turned on the style in wins over Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and Daniel Altmaier but undoubtedly faces his toughest test yet against 27-year-old Fritz.
Still, Monfils will take to the Margaret Court Arena with little pressure hanging over him after a glittering career at the top level.
“I think I have done what I want in a way. If I do more, it’s a bonus. I’m happy,” said Monfils, when asked what he wanted to achieve before he decides to retire.
Fritz has looked in strong form so far, breezing through the opening rounds in straight sets as he looks to build on a promising 2024 which saw him reach his first Grand Slam final at the US Open.
Order of play
ROD LAVER ARENA
Day session (From 1130 local time)
Emma Raducanu (Britain) v (2) Iga Swiatek (Poland)
31-Francisco Cerundolo (Argentina) v (8) Alex de Minaur (Australia)
Night session (From 1900 local time)
(1) Jannik Sinner (Italy) v Marcos Giron (U.S.)
(19) Madison Keys (U.S.) v (10) Danielle Collins (U.S.)
MARGARET COURT ARENA
Day session (From 1130 local time)
(8) Emma Navarro (U.S.) v Ons Jabeur (Tunisia)
(4) Taylor Fritz (U.S.) v Gael Monfils (France)
Night session (From 1900 local time)
(28) Elina Svitolina (Ukraine) v (4) Jasmine Paolini (Italy)
Miomir Kecmanovic (Serbia) v (13) Holger Rune (Denmark)
JOHN CAIN ARENA
Day session (From 1100 local time)
Alex Michelsen (U.S.) v (19) Karen Khachanov (Russia)
(6) Elena Rybakina (Kazakhstan) v (32) Dayana Yastremska (Ukraine)
(21) Ben Shelton (U.S.) v (16) Lorenzo Musetti (Italy)
How to watch
The Australian Open will be shown in the US on ESPN and the Tennis Channel. Check the listings for start times.
Predictions
Jannik Sinner v Marcos Giron
Despite losing a set to rookie Tristan Schoolkate, top seed Jannik Sinner shouldn’t have too many issues against Marcos Giron as he contiunues his pursuit of a first Australian Open title.
Sinner to win in three sets
Alex de Minaur v Francisco Cerundolo
Alex de Minaur has looked in great form so far after an impressive 2024 but it won’t be all smooth sailing against Francisco Cerundolo, who will be fresh after advancing through the second round due to Facundo Diaz Acosta’s retirement.
De Minaur to win in four sets
Emma Raducanu v Iga Swiatek
Radacanu’s performance in the previous round was probably her best since returning from a knee injury last year but she will still need to raise her game massively to have any chance against Swiatek, who remains a favourite to go all the way.
Swiatek to win in two sets
Elena Rybakina v Dayana Yastremska
Yastremska will not be an easy opponent against Elena Rybakina and could easily take a set against the 2022 Wimbledon champion.
Rybakina to win in three sets
Gael Monfils v Taylor Fritz
This duo played out a five-set thriller in Melbourne in 2019 and it would be no surprise to see both players take a set here given the form Monfils has been in. Still, Fritz should eventually have too much for the veteran.
Fritz to win in four sets
