Tennis expert Andy Schooler takes a look at which outsiders could make waves at the Australian Open 2025, which gets under way in Melbourne on Sunday.
Australian Open 2025: Men’s Outright
Australian Open 2025: Back Karen Khachanov
Khachanov finished last season by winning 12 of 14 matches. That run took in the title in Almaty, the final in Vienna and a semi-final at the Paris Masters. While 2025 began with defeat in Hong Kong to Kei Nishikori (who went on to play in the final), Khachanov will still be confident of using that momentum in Melbourne, a venue at which he made the last four just two years ago.
He has the power to compete with the best and is capable of testing top seed Jannik Sinner, who heads up his quarter. Four of their five matches have gone to a final set, while Khachanov does have a Grand Slam win over the Italian (at the US Open). Not without a chance.
Australian Open 2025: Back Tommy Paul
The fourth quarter looks like it could be an opportunity for someone with second seed Alex Zverev having been forced out of the recent United Cup midway through due to a biceps injury. In any case, Zverev looks short so step forward Paul, the American who, like Khachanov, was a semi-finalist here in 2023. The 12th seed is at home on the hardcourts and, having started the season with a semi-final run in Adelaide, could produce another deep run in Melbourne.
Australian Open 2025: Women’s Outright
Australian Open 2025: Back Yulia Putintseva
Putintseva has started the new season well, building on a 2024 campaign which saw her beat both Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff. She’s already defeated two top-20 players in Diana Shnaider and Donna Vekic this year, as well as taking down former world number two Ons Jabeur. Her defeats have come at the hands of last year’s US Open finalists, Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula, both matches being closely fought. The pint-sixed Kazakh has plenty of power from the back of the court and could go well in what looks the weaker half of the draw.
Australian Open 2025 Outright Tips
Back Tommy Paul @ 42.0 with kwiff
Back Karen Khachanov @ 61.0 with kwiff
Back Yulia Putintseva @ 53.0 with kwiff
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