Jannik Sinner will face his toughest test yet at the 2025 Australian Open when he comes up against Holger Rune tomorrow.
The world number one has yet to hit top gear in Melbourne but has still dropped just the one set in reaching the fourth round.
Rune, the 13th seed, has a big game although he is likely to be fatigued given he has survived two five-setters to get to this stage.
Their head-to-head record stands at 2-2 and Sinner knows he is going to have to improve to secure a place in the last eight.
The Italian said: “We always had tough matches in the past. Let’s see what’s coming.
“For sure he’s someone who can raise the level very, very high. Knowing that, I also have to raise my level.”
Jannik Sinner is on a mission to defend his crown. He picks up the #Haier superior #Performance of the day 🤝#MoreCreationMorePossibilities • @wwos • @ESPN • @Eurosport • @WOWOWtennis pic.twitter.com/3iWcXhAnkB
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2025
📰 Table Of Contents
Michelsen takes on local hero
Alex De Minaur is back in action on Rod Laver Arena as he takes on rising American star Alex Michelsen.
Michelsen disposed of Stefanos Tsitsipas in the first round and home hope De Minaur knows he is in for a tough evening.
“He’s been playing really well. He’s a dangerous opponent with a lot of confidence now,” De Minaur said. “He’s taken some big scalps this week, so is ready for a battle.
“He’s going to go out there with no fear. I’m going to do my best to make it difficult for him.”
Big-serving Ben Shelton faces veteran Gael Monfils while, another American, Learner Tien, the conqueror of Daniil Medvedev, meets Lorenzo Sonego.
Lys faces daunting task against Swiatek
Second seed Iga Świątek faces off against lucky loser Eva Lys in the first of the night matches on RLA.
Lys is one of the stories of the tournament so far. The word number 128 lost in the final round of qualifying but was given a reprieve and has made the most of her fortune.
“It definitely doesn’t feel real for me right now,” said Lys. “I don’t know when the realisation will kick in.
“It’s definitely an insane story, how it happened, how fast it happened. Those days have totally changed my life.”
Swiatek won their sole previous encounter with ease in Stuttgart three years ago.
Lys added: “I do think that you always have a chance going out. You never know what’s going to happen in the match. I will just try to keep my streak going, try to keep my spirit going. I’m just going to go out and enjoy.”
Elena Rybakina has looked good so far and she meets Madison Keys tomorrow.
Eighth and ninth seeds Emma Navarro and Daria Kasatkina do battle while Monfils’ wife Elena Svitolina opens the day’s action on RLA when she plays Veronika Kudermetova.
Order of Play
Rod Laver Arena
from 1130 local time
V Kudermetova v (28) E Svitolina
(1) J Sinner v (13) H Rune
from 7pm local time
E Lys v (2) I Swiatek
A Michelsen v (8) A De Minaur
Magaret Court Arena
not before 2pm local time
(6) E Rybakina v (19) M Keys
G Monfils v (21) B Shelton
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 Holger Rune
Rune has spent a lot of time on court so far in the tournament and that could be a factor here, as we saw with Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Jack Draper today.
A fresher Sinner should be able to win with something to spare.
Sinner to win in three sets
Alex Michelsen v Alex De Minaur
This could be a classic. Michelsen has the game to trouble De Minaur but much could depend on how he handles the Australian crowd.
De Minaur to win in five sets
Eve Lys v Iga Swiatek
Lys has had a wonderful run but it will end here. Swiatek was brilliant against Emma Raducanu in her previous match and will cruise to victory against Lys.
Swiatek to win in two sets
Elena Rybakina v Madison Keys
Keys has the tools to trouble any player on the WTA Tour and we think this could be close. Rybakina has looked impressive so far, though, so we are tipping her to edge it.
Rybakina to win in three sets
