India, Jan. 9 -- Aryna Sabalenka, the defending champion, is aiming for a historic third consecutive title at Melbourne Park this year, but she 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 winner Sofia Kenin in the first round.

The official draw ceremony commenced on Thursday at Melbourne Park, featuring two-time defending champion Sabalenka alongside the reigning men's champion, Jannik Sinner. As the World No. 1 and the top seed at a Grand Slam for the first time in her career, Sabalenka aspires 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."

"Having my name in the history books 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 challenging beginning in Melbourne, as she is set to play 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, which would be a repeat of last year's final. Additionally, Gauff is in the same half of the draw, suggesting a highly anticipated semifinal matchup could be on the horizon.

The American player has encountered a challenging draw. She is set to compete against two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka, who will be facing France's Caroline Garcia in the opening round for the second consecutive year in Melbourne. The victor of this highly anticipated match will meet No.20 seed Karolina Muchova in the second round, while No.16 seed Jelena Ostapenko may be a potential opponent for Gauff in the round of 16.

In the opposite half of the draw, No.2 seed Iga Swiatek, whose best performance in Melbourne was reaching the semifinals in 2022, will commence her tournament against Katerina Siniakova and may encounter No.8 seed Emma Navarro in the quarterfinals. Additionally, No.6 seed Elena Rybakina could face America's Danielle Collins in the fourth round, leading to a possible matchup against No.4 seed Jasmine Paolini. 

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