Top men’s seed Jannik Sinner kicks off the late session at the Rod Laver Arena on day five of the Australian Open with fellow Italian Matteo Berrettini taking on Holger Rune in what looks set to be an enticing match.
Jasmine Paolini is another Italian in action, while Claycourt specialist Iga Swiatek continues her attempts for a first Australian Open title.
Elsewhere, Taylor Fritz, Daniil Medvedev and Elena Rybakina are the other big names who will take to the court on day five.
📰 Table Of Contents
The Main Event
The most entertaining clash could come at the John Cain Arena as Berrettini and Rune renew acqaintances after two marathon clashes in their last two meetings.
Both games on hardcourt Masters events in Cincinnati and Shanghai last year went the distance, with thirteenth-seed Rune coming out on top both times.
Berrettini, once a top-10 player who reached the semi-finals in 2022, will be eager to come out on top this time after stepping up his return to action following seven months out, with the Italian slowly edging his way back into the top 40.
“We had good matches last year. Both three-set matches we played, [I] won both. Definitely tight matches and small things that made the result on my side.”
Sinner faces local lad Schoolkate
No1 seed Sinner will be hoping to avoid a slip-up when he takes on home favourite Tristan Schoolkate in his second-round match.
Schoolkate has just two Tour-level wins two his name compared to Sinner’s double Grand Slam titles. The daunting task has not escaped the Australian but he is determined to enjoy the occasion.
“It’s fantastic. I’ve got nothing to lose,” Schoolkate said. “To play a World No. 1, it’s pretty crazy, pretty cool. I’m going to give my best shot, and I believe I can win the match.
“I’m going to go out there and have a crack and do everything I can. And if it’s good enough, it’s good enough. If it’s not, it’s not. We’ll go have a good time.
“Obviously I’ve seen a lot of him play. A few of my mates have hit with him. But he’s obviously doing some really good things at the moment. He’s playing great.
“He’s the best tennis player in the world right now. So I’m sure, not only have I seen a lot of him, I’m sure the whole world has seen a lot of his tennis.”
LET ME HEAR YOU AUSSIE FANS 🗣️
Tristan Schoolkate keeps the Aussies undefeated on Day 2 of #AO2025 with his maiden Australian Open main draw victory! pic.twitter.com/osJkvHXr7r
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) January 13, 2025
Swiatek tempering expectations
World No1 Swiatek is keeping her expectations low as the four-time French Open champion bids for her first Grand Slam Down Under ahead of facing Rebecca Sramkova.
A semi-final appearance in 2022 is the best the Pole has managed in five attempts at the Austrlian Open but the second seed is hoping a coaching change may improve her fortunes this time around.
“I think overall the preparation is a bit changed because of a different coach. I feel like that was enough of a change,” said Swiatek, who plays Slovakia’s Rebecca Sramkova.
“I guess I need to keep my expectations low, just focus on the work and focus on playing better and better if I can, because for sure this is not the easiest surface for me.”
Order of Play
Rod Laver Arena
From 1130am local time
Rebecca Sramkova v (2) Iga Swiatek
Tristan Boyer v (8) Alex de Minaur
From 7pm local time
(1) Jannik Sinner v Tristan Schoolkate
Renata Zarazua v (4) Jasmine Paolini
Margaret Court Arena
From 1130am local time
(8) Emma Navarro v Wang Xiyu
(4) Taylor Fritz v Cristian Garin
From 7pm local time
(19) Madison Keys v Elena-Gabriela Ruse
Learner Tien v (5) Daniil Medvedev
John Cain Arena
From 11pm local time
(18) Hubert Hurkacz v Miomir Kecmanovic
(6) Elena Rybakina v Iva Jovic
From 5pm local time
Matteo Berrettini v (13) Holger Rune
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
Berrettini and Rune looks another even contest, but we are backing the Dane to get the job done again at the John Caine.
Sinner and Swiatek should cruise through in straight sets, while there should also be no issues for Rybakina against 17-year-old Iva Jovic.
If you are after a shock, keep an eye on Learner Tien against Daniil Medvedev. The Russia sixth-seed needed five sets to beat world No418 Kasidit Samrej in the first round. If he plays that poorly again, American Tien could take advantage.
