Australian Open begins Jan. 12 in Melbourne, and the draws for the men’s and women’s singles are intriguing — and have thrown up some blockbuster first-round matches. The Athletic’s tennis writers, Matthew Futterman and Charlie Eccleshare,

FILE - Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus plays a forehand return to Zheng Qinwen of China during the women’s singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong, File)

Favourites Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff are set to meet in the semifinals of the women's singles draw at the 2025 Australian Open.

Australian Open title favourites Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff are set to meet in the semi-finals of the women’s singles draw for the second straight year. Sabalenka beat Gauff in the last four on her way to the title 12 months ago,

Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek's rivalry intensifies as the Australian Open 2025 unfolds, with Gauff gaining momentum after consecutive victories.