📰 Table Of Contents
The Main Event
Take your pick with the scheduling continuing to baffle at the Australian Open.
From today’s meagre offering to a blockbuster Wednesday that features Aryna Sabalenka, Novak Djokovic, Coco Gauff, Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz.
The line-up is so strong the clash between two-time Melbourne champion Naomi Osaka and tournament dark horse Karolina Muchova has been scheduled for second match on the venue’s fourth show court.
While Muchova and, to a lesser extent, Osaka will feel they have a chance of going deep if they get a run going, Gauff comes in as one of the favorites.
The third seed cruised past 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin in round one and will now take on Britain’s Jodie Burrage on Rod Laver Arena.
Presumably, she will again don the outfit she wore against Kenin, an homage to her love of Marvel superheroes.
Inspired by superheroes, worn by a superstar ✨@CocoGauff talks through her new outfit for #AO2025 💚🤍@wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/b9e2mJ6rLB
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 13, 2025
The white bodysuit and green skirt may pose logistical problems but it has caused a stir.
“This outfit, I’m a huge Marvel fan, and a lot of the female superheroes have cool cutouts on their outfits, so that’s what I wanted to do,” Gauff said.
“It is a bodysuit, so I have to put the bottom part on first and pull it over my head, so it’s kind of struggle.
“If you can’t hold your bladder, it’s also not a good idea, but you have to sacrifice for fashion.”
Burrage will have her mind focused firmly on on-court matters for a match that is a reward for her determination to come back from several morale-sapping injuries.
It reached a point last year when she considered quitting.
“I was basically crying mid-session saying I don’t know how much more fight I’ve got,” Burrage said.
“I fought so hard to get back to a position where I could even play the sport, and then I was winning matches, obviously those ITF events, making semis and stuff, but it’s not where I wanted to be and I wasn’t happy with how I was playing. I didn’t know how much more fight I had. It takes a lot.”
Also in action
Sabalenka opens the day’s proceedings on RLA when she takes on Jessica Bouzas Maneiro and is followed by Djokovic’s clash with qualifier Jamie Faria.
Zverev, the sneaky pick for many this year, faces Pedro Martinez.
Alcaraz, seeking to complete the career grand slam with a win in Melbourne, meets world number 65 Yoshihito Nishioka.
🎾Australian Open order of play – RLA, MCA, JCA – Wednesday 15 January 🎾 View schedule at https://t.co/CiKpzhXiWg #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/MTOQcO7rF5
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 14, 2025
Order of Play
Rod Laver Arena
From 1130 am local time
(1) A Sabalenka v J Bouzas Maneiro
(7) N Djokovic v J Faria
From 7pm local time
(3) C Gauff v J Burrage
P Martinez v (2) A Zverev
Margaret Court Arena
From 1130 local time
E Mertens v (7) J Pegula
Y Nishioka v (3) C Alcaraz
From 7pm local time
(6) C Ruud v J Mensik
(11) P Badosa v T Gibson
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
Burrage’s is a heartwarming story and she does possess some big weapons but it’s hard to see her troubling Gauff.
Gauff to win in two tight sets
Djokovic and Zverev will both cruise through in straight sets, as will Alcaraz.
If you’re looking for a shock then it may come for Casper Ruud. The sixth seed was taken to five sets by Jaime Munar in round one and a clash with 19-year-old rising star Jakub Mensik looks nasty. Don’t be surprised if this one goes the distance as well and if Mensik gets the job done.
