Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, who aspires to achieve a historic third consecutive title at Melbourne Park this year, faces a challenging draw at the 2025 Australian Open. She may encounter Zheng Qinwen of China in a rematch of the 2024 final. Meanwhile, former US Open champion Coco Gauff will compete against fellow American and 2022 Australian Open titleholder Sofia Kenin in the first round.

Sabalenka, a two-time defending champion, commenced the official draw ceremony on Thursday at Melbourne Park alongside the defending men's champion, Jannik Sinner. As the World No. 1 and the top-seeded player at a Grand Slam for the first time in her career, she aims to become the first woman to secure three consecutive singles titles in Australia since Martina Hingis achieved this feat from 1997 to 1999.

"Returning here and walking with this beautiful trophy as the two-time defending champion is truly special," Sabalenka remarked. "I sincerely hope to continue my successful performance in Australia."

"Inscribing my name in history alongside those legends is remarkable," she continued. "[Winning three in a row] would be monumental, but I must concentrate on my own game ... delivering my best tennis each time I compete, and placing my name among those legends."

However, the Belarusian faces a formidable challenge at the outset in Melbourne, as she is set to compete against 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens in the opening round. She may encounter No. 14 seed Mira Andreeva in the round of 16, followed by a potential quarterfinal clash against No. 5 seed Zheng Qinwen, a rematch of last year's final. Additionally, Gauff is in the same half of the draw, suggesting a potential high-stakes semifinal matchup.

Gauff also faces a tough draw, as she is positioned against two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka, who will take on France's Caroline Garcia in the first round for the second consecutive year in Melbourne. The victor of that enticing match will meet No. 20 seed Karolina Muchova in the second round, with No. 16 seed Jelena Ostapenko also in the mix.

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