The brief tennis "off-season" — if you can even call it that — has come and gone in the blink of an eye. Players barely had time to unpack their suitcases, hug their families, and perhaps grab a holiday cookie before boarding long-haul flights to Australia. Now, under the blazing summer sun of the southern hemisphere, we set our sights on the first Grand Slam of the year: the Australian Open.

As is tradition, the opening round is already serving up its fair share of drama. Every year, certain matchups leap off the page, packed with intrigue, tension, and the promise of unforgettable moments. These clashes are the perfect antidote to those late-night yawns as fans around the globe tune in during the wee hours, their ESPN+ apps keeping them company with multicast brilliance.

So, pour that coffee or pop some popcorn—here’s a look at a few of the most compelling first-round matches from both the WTA and ATP tours.

WTA First Round Matches to Watch

Aryna Sabalenka vs. Sloane Stephens

On paper, this should be a straightforward victory for Aryna Sabalenka, the reigning world No. 1, who leads their head-to-head 4-0. However, Sloane Stephens’ effortless power and smooth ball striking make her a perpetual wildcard. When Stephens finds her rhythm, she’s capable of unsettling anyone on tour. It’s hard to see Sabalenka faltering, but tennis thrives on its unpredictability.

Sofia Kenin vs. Coco Gauff

This match needs no introduction. If you’ve been following tennis, you’ll remember Kenin’s first-round upset of Gauff at Wimbledon in 2023—a loss that lit a fire under Gauff, sparking her triumphant "Hot Girl Summer." Gauff went on to win titles in Washington D.C., Cincinnati, and her maiden Grand Slam at the US Open. Kenin, a Grand Slam champion herself, leads their head-to-head 2-1 and showed solid form in Hobart before a quarterfinal exit. But if Gauff’s recent performances are any indication, she’s poised to dispatch Kenin and continue her red-hot streak.

Emma Navarro vs. Peyton Stearns

An all-American showdown between two rising stars with collegiate tennis roots. Navarro holds a 4-1 edge in their head-to-head, but contrasting styles and personalities promise an entertaining encounter. This match is a showcase of the next generation of American talent.

Naomi Osaka vs. Caroline Garcia

Naomi Osaka may need to get a restraining order against Caroline Garcia, it may be the only way to separate the two in the early rounds of tournaments. The pair met three times in 2024 (once in AO R1) alone and have drawn each other again in the first round of AO in 2025. Osaka’s potential draw is daunting, with Karolina Muchova, Jelena Ostapenko, and Coco Gauff lurking in subsequent rounds. It’s a tough road for Osaka on her comeback tour, but her resilience is worth watching.

Maya Joint vs. Jessica Pegula

Eighteen-year-old Aussie wildcard Maya Joint will make her Grand Slam debut against world No. 3 Jessica Pegula. Joint’s semifinal run in Hobart has ignited local excitement, but Pegula’s consistency and form—evident in her Adelaide semifinal—make her a strong favorite. Expect the home crowd to rally behind their new star, but Pegula’s experience should carry her through.

Other Notable WTA Matches

• Jelena Ostapenko vs. Belinda Bencic

• Taylor Townsend vs. Renata Zarazua

• Emma Raducanu vs. Ekaterina Alexandrova

ATP First Round Matches to Watch

Taylor Fritz vs. Jenson Brooksby

It’s been a while since Jenson Brooksby graced a Grand Slam, and he’ll face a tough test against world No. 4 Taylor Fritz. Their last meeting, at the 2021 US Open, saw Brooksby emerge victorious in four sets. Fritz, however, is in the form of his life and should be eager to settle the score.

Novak Djokovic vs. Nishesh Basavereddy

Depending on who you ask, the Australian Open trophy might as well already bear Novak Djokovic’s name. His first-round opponent, American Nishesh Basavereddy, will face the daunting task of challenging the ten-time champion. With Andy Murray now coaching Djokovic, fans are curious to see how this partnership translates on court. Expect early dominance from Djokovic but keep an eye on potential third-round fireworks against Tomas Machac or Reilly Opelka.

Ben Shelton vs. Brandon Nakashima

An all-American clash with serious big match potential. Ben Shelton leads their head-to-head 2-0, but both matches were tightly contested. I hope you have the time, because Nakashima’s grit and determination could push this into a five-set thriller.

Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard vs. Gaël Monfils

A battle of French flair and generational talent, this match could steal the show. Mpetshi Perricard represents the future of French tennis (alongside Arthur Fils), while Gaël Monfils remains a beloved showman. Monfils’ recent run to the Auckland final raises questions about his energy reserves by the time he makes it to Melbourne, but his sheer charisma ensures this will be one to watch.

Nick Kyrgios vs. Jacob Fearnley

After all the talk, after the “abdominal injury,” Nick Kyrgios will finally get his chance to get back on the court at home and put on a show. However, to this point, Kyrgios himself has sandbagged enough to ensure if things go awry early, that his ego won’t have to take the hit. If he’s remotely healthy, he should get through the first two rounds in Australia, and if he makes it to the third round where he’ll likely face Alexander Zverev, I might even root for him.

 Other Notable ATP Matches

• Matteo Berrettini vs. Cameron Norrie

• Gabriel Diallo vs. Luca Nardi

• Matteo Arnaldi vs. Lorenzo Musetti

• Jannik Sinner vs. Nicolas Jarry

Editor’s Picks: Who Wins It All?

Women’s Champion: Coco Gauff

As the Australian Open kicks off, Aryna Sabalenka will be the player to beat as the defending champion. However, electrifying victories over Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka at the year-end finals, coupled with her dominant United Cup performance, make Coco Gauff my pick to win it all in Melbourne this year. Provided she survives the first-round "Kenin curse,” Gauff’s hunger and form could carry her to her second Grand Slam title.

Men’s Champion: Jannik Sinner

Jannik Sinner arrives as the defending champion, exuding confidence and consistency. While the men’s draw features potential disruptors, Sinner’s resilience since September has been remarkable. Barring any surprises, he has the form and momentum to repeat his Australian Open triumph.

A Grand Slam to Savor

The Australian Open kicks off the tennis calendar with all the drama, talent, and excitement fans could hope for. Whether you’re marveling at Gauff’s potential ascension, Djokovic’s quest for more history, or the defending champions, Sabalenka and Sinner holding their ground, there’s something exciting about this tournament. So, wherever you’re watching—from a cozy living room or through bleary eyes at 3 a.m.—settle in for two weeks of great tennis. Game, set, Melbourne.