The 2025 Tennis Season Predictions: Experts Weigh in on Upcoming Challenges
With the Australian Open on the horizon, tennis experts and enthusiasts are already buzzing about the potential outcomes of the 2025 season. Eurosport’s quartet—Laura Robson, Tim Henman, Alex Corretja, and Mats Wilander—has shared their predictions, highlighting rising stars and established champions alike.
This past year saw Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner split major titles between them, solidifying their status at the top of men’s tennis. Now, the question arises: who will reign supreme next? According to Robson, "For 2025, I’m going Alcaraz," indicating her belief in the young Spaniard’s continued success. Yet, Wilander contends otherwise, stating, "Jannik Sinner will win more Grand Slams than Carlos Alcaraz. A minimum of two Slams from Mr. Sinner." Henman, showing his faith in Alcaraz, predicts he will also win more Grand Slams than Sinner.
Not to be overlooked, Novak Djokovic’s presence looms large. Robson flatly asserts, "He’s got Andy Murray as his coach, he’s got to win a Slam," and other experts share similar sentiments. Wilander backs this up, believing Djokovic can still claim another major title. Amidst this uncertainty, the battle for the top women’s title remains equally fierce.
Aryna Sabalenka, after her stellar performance last season, is expected by Wilander and Robson to take home yet another Australian Open title. Henman, not to be outdone, optimistically predicts victory for Zheng Qinwen, citing her potential to shine. Corretja goes for Elena Rybakina, mentioning, "I’m actually thinking she might finish as No. 1 this year." Each of these experts has strong reasoning, showing the fierce competition on both circuit sides.
The discussion doesn't stop at just winners; the future of tennis coaching is also on everyone's mind. Andy Murray’s transition from player to coach is seen as historic. Wilander states, "I’m hoping and praying" for players like Emma Raducanu to make substantial comebacks, emphasizing his belief Mukary can still shine under Murray’s guidance.
On the topic of comebacks, Jack Draper asserts his confidence after having risen to world No. 15 this year. Draper reached the semi-finals of his first Grand Slam and is determined to continue this momentum. "I think I do belong at the top of the game with all the weapons I have at my disposal," he stated, aiming to push his way through the competition. Having seen his peers succeed, Draper's aspirations align with those of Next Gen ATP Finals champion Joao Fonseca. The Brazilian, too, shares ambitions to climb the ranks, asserting, "My dream is to become No. 1."
Draper’s ability to perform at high-pressure moments has shown, helping him overcome previous struggles with injury and nerves. Still, his recent hip injury poses uncertainty as he prepares for the Australian Open. Though he has matured tremendously, having learned the importance of experience and tactics, it remains to be seen if he can shake off any physical limitations.
Meanwhile, Fonseca’s remarkable rise started with winning the Next Gen ATP Finals. He expressed immense pride and satisfaction, stating, "If you told Joao at the start of the year... he would think it is amazing." This surge signifies the emergence of new contenders willing to challenge the top players. Both Draper and Fonseca point to the need for resilience, indicating their belief to step up against elite talent like Alcaraz and Sinner will define their paths.
One of the bold predictions making rounds is from Wilander, who suggests, "Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner will win the calendar Grand Slam." This speaks volumes about the level of player talent expected to light up the courts over the next year. Wilander and Henman call for ambitious projections, like Jack Draper possibly reaching the Wimbledon final, indicating the potential depth and competition of the men’s game.
With the influx of young talent, 2025 looks to be set for exciting narratives and rivalries, heightened by the coaching chess game with veterans like Murray taking charge. All eyes are on how both established stars and talented newcomers navigate the challenges they will face this season. The atmosphere surrounding the Australian Open promises suspense and thrilling matchups as these predictions begin to materialize.
Overall, the 2025 tennis season is shaping up to be one of intense rivalry and potential comebacks. The predictions from experts highlight the dichotomy between experience and youth, and how both will play pivotal roles in scripting the season’s stories.
