The Australian Open always provides a great fan experience in the week before the tournament, and Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner will be part of the fun in 2025.
During the opening week, fans can see some of the best players in the world at a reduced price. It is also a great opportunity for players to get into shape before the year's opening Grand Slam.
Last year's opening week included Nick Kyrgios, who recently hinted at a career in coaching once he retires, interviewing Djokovic live on-court for an episode of his podcast.
Jannik Sinner won the 2024 Australian Open. Finding momentum during the opening week in Melbourne could be particularly important for him if he chooses not to play a tournament before the Australian Open, as he did last season.
Carlos Alcaraz also did not play any tournaments before last year's Australian Open. That approach worked better for Sinner last year, and the Spaniard might be even more motivated than usual because it is the only Grand Slam he has yet to win.
Alcaraz and Sinner split the four Grand Slams between them last season, meaning Djokovic failed to win a major title for the first time since 2017. Now aged 37, challenging those two young stars will not be easy.
However, Djokovic proved his motivation to compete at the highest level is still present by making a drastic decision: The Serbian hired his former rival Andy Murray as his coach.
Djokovic also made a scheduling move to give himself the best possible chance of competing against Sinner and Alcaraz at the start of next season to prove he still belongs at the very top.
Those three illustrious players will be joined by other notable names in the sport during the opening week of the Australian Open to create what promises to be an unforgettable few days before the main action begins.
Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley mentioned some of the other names who will participate in the opening week in an announcement about the exciting plans for it in January.
"Australian Open 2025 will kick off with a bang with more incredible tennis and entertainment on offer than ever before, and more of the precinct open during Opening Week."
"There will be four spectacular nights of charity matches on Rod Laver Arena featuring an incredible line-up of international stars including our 10-time champion Novak Djokovic, 2024 champ and world No.1 Jannik Sinner, Spanish superstar Carlos Alcaraz and Qinwen Zheng."
"Aussies Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin will also compete against the best of the best to entertain fans and support a range of children’s charities through the Australian Tennis Foundation."
"With Dylan Alcott as MC, Red Bull Bassline on Tuesday night will have an electric atmosphere with a live DJ, courtside interviews and players interacting with fans in the stands."
"We’ll also be giving out five thousand Hot Shots tennis racquets to kids. We are incredibly excited to host the world’s first 1 Point Slam at the Australian Open and know fans will get behind locals as they take on the pros."