Coco Gauff picked as favourite to lift Australian Open silverware

After an impressive conclusion to the 2024 season, Coco Gauff has emerged as a strong favorite to claim the 2025 Australian Open title. The 20-year-old American started the year on a high note, successfully defending her ASB Classic title and reaching the semifinals of both the Australian and French Opens.

However, her mid-season performance faltered as she struggled during the grass-court and North American hard-court segments, failing to defend her US Open and Cincinnati Open titles. A fourth-round Wimbledon loss to Emma Navarro and an early exit at the Paris Olympics further compounded her challenges.

A coaching shake-up mid-season, which saw her part ways with Brad Gilbert and bring on Matt Daly, marked a turning point. Under Daly’s guidance, Gauff rebounded spectacularly, clinching the China Open and the prestigious WTA Finals to close out the year ranked No. 3 in the world.

Former doubles champion Rennae Stubbs believes Gauff is primed for a breakthrough at the Australian Open, noting the athlete’s rigorous off-season training and her momentum from late 2024. Alongside Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek are expected to be strong contenders, while Jasmine Paolini, who had a career-best season, also remains a dark horse.

The Italian claimed her biggest title in Dubai and reached the finals at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, ending the year ranked No. 4. With the women’s tennis field brimming with talent, the 2025 Australian Open promises to deliver an exhilarating start to the Grand Slam calendar.