Australian Open 2025 begins this weekend: TV timings, schedule, stats, betting odds and more

The Australian Open, the first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year, starts this weekend at Melbourne Park. Top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka and second-seeded Alexander Zverev will play in Rod Laver Arena on Sunday night. Sabalenka faces 2017 U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens, followed by Zverev against Lucas Pouille. Other Sunday matches include Zheng Qinwen versus Anca Todoni and Casper Ruud against Jaume Munar.

Here's all you need to know about it.

When Does the Australian Open Start?

The Australian Open kicks off on Sunday morning in Melbourne, which is 16 hours ahead of the East Coast of the United States. Matches typically begin at 11 a.m. local time (7 p.m. the previous evening EST), with night sessions starting at 7 p.m. local time (3 a.m. EST).

How to Watch the Australian Open on TV

In the U.S., catch the action on ESPN and Tennis Channel. For viewers in other countries, check your local listings for broadcast details.

Who’s Playing on Day 1?

Day 1 will feature big names like Aryna Sabalenka and Alexander Zverev. Sabalenka, the top seed, faces former U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens at 7 p.m. (3 a.m. EST), followed by Zverev against Lucas Pouille at around 9:30 p.m. (5:30 a.m. EST). Other matches include Sabalenka’s 2024 final opponent, Zheng Qinwen, against qualifier Anca Todoni at 11:30 a.m. (7:30 p.m. EST), and Casper Ruud taking on Jaume Munar.

What Are the Betting Odds?

According to BetMGM Sportsbook, Aryna Sabalenka (+225) and Jannik Sinner (+120) are the favorites to win the Australian Open. Sabalenka, the two-time defending champion and 2023 U.S. Open winner, leads the women’s side, followed by Coco Gauff (+400) and Iga Swiatek (+450). On the men’s side, Sinner’s closest competition comes from Carlos Alcaraz (+350) and Novak Djokovic (+550).

Where Is the Australian Open Played?

The tournament takes place on outdoor hard courts at Melbourne Park, featuring best-of-three-set matches for women and best-of-five for men. Matches occur in both day and night sessions, with retractable roofs over the three main stadiums: Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, and John Cain Arena.

Top Seeds at the Australian Open

Women's Top Seed: Aryna Sabalenka
Men’s Top Seed: Jannik Sinner

Australian Open Singles Schedule:

Sunday-Tuesday: First Round (Women and Men)
Wednesday-Thursday: Second Round (Women and Men)
Jan. 17-18: Third Round (Women and Men)
Jan. 19-20: Fourth Round (Women and Men)
Jan. 21-22: Quarterfinals (Women and Men)
Jan. 23: Women’s Semifinals
Jan. 24: Men’s Semifinals
Jan. 25: Women’s Final
Jan. 26: Men’s Final

Defending Champions and prize money

Women’s Champion: Aryna Sabalenka (2024 winner, defeated Zheng Qinwen in the final)
Men’s Champion: Jannik Sinner (defeated Daniil Medvedev after eliminating Novak Djokovic in the semifinals)

Total prize pool: 96.5 million AUD ($60 million).
Singles champions: 3.5 million AUD ($2.15 million) each, up from 3.15 million AUD ($1.95 million) in 2024.

Key Stats:

Aryna Sabalenka will be aiming for her third consecutive women’s singles title, a feat last achieved by Martina Hingis from 1997 to 1999.

Novak Djokovic is tied with Margaret Court for the most Grand Slam singles titles, with 24. One more title will give him sole possession of the record.