Top five players who might play their last Australian Open in 2025

Careers of many tennis greats may end in this upcoming event.

The Australian Open always holds immense importance as it is the first Grand Slam tournament of the calendar year, thereby marking the beginning of a new season, filled with opportunities and challenges.

Every rising athlete wishes to start the year on a positive front and a decent outing in Melbourne goes a long way in determining their year. Much was the case with the champions of the 2024 edition, Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka who ended up having their career’s most successful year despite some turbulences here and there.

Also read: Full list of events in ATP calendar 2025

Conversely, ironically, the first event could potentially mark the beginning of the end for many well-established players. Disappointing outings make you question your ability, despite the number of Grand Slam trophies you have won. With age not on their side, several tennis stars might be making their final appearance down under.

On that note, let’s take a look at the top five players who might play their last Australian Open in 2025.

5. Stan Wawrinka

One of the oldest players taking part in the 2025 Australian Open is the Swiss legend Stan Wawrinka, potentially for one final time. Wawrinka will cherish returning to Melbourne, the venue where he won his first major title back in 2014, when he defeated Rafael Nadal in the final, 6–3, 6–2, 3–6, 6–3 to win the men’s singles tennis title at the Australian Open.

By doing so, Wawrinka became the first man outside the Big Four to win a major since Juan Martín del Potro won the 2009 US Open.

The biggest highlight from his title run was beating Novak Djokovic in the round of 16 in a five setter epic. The 39-year-old player has struggled with injuries in recent years, yet managed to progress to the quarterfinals for a fifth time at AO 2020 – his last appearance in a major QF.

He has now been given a wildcard entry into the 2025 Australian Open and will be hoping to cash in on it one last time in Melbourne.

4. Rohan Bopanna

The men’s doubles defending champion will grace the courts Down Under once again, with a new partner this time. The Indian veteran enjoyed his career’s most significant achievement at the Australian Open as his years of dedication and perseverance finally paid off.

However, Bopanna would be partnering with a lower ranked player this time around. With an abrupt ending to an excellent partnership with Matthew Ebden, the end seems to be near for the 44-year-old Indian legend.

3. Kei Nishikori

Kei Nishikori is the only Japanese player to have ranked inside the top five. One of the most respected tennis players going around, Nishikori has been part of the circuit for very long and the fag end of his career has been marred by injuries.

The 35-year-old has already confirmed participation at the 2025 Australian Open and days ahead of the Grand Slam, Nishikori has made headlines due to his fabulous stint in Hong Kong where he finished as the runner-up losing to Alexander Muller in three sets. As a result, the Japanese has taken a big leap forward in the ATP Rankings, officially re-entering the Top 100 for the first time since June 2022.

2. Victoria Azarenka

Victoria Azarenka is one of Romania’s finest tennis players, who performed tremendously during her prime. However, she is running through a long draught of titles which has been coupled with injuries. The Romanian’s last Grand Slam singles final appearance came at the 2020 US Open.

Azarenka last competed in Brisbane International losing to Marie Bouzkova in the round of 16. With time running out for the 35-year-old, it would be fitting to call it quits to a glorious career at the venue where she has achieved her career’s biggest success, winning both her singles Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open in 2012 and 2013.

1. Novak Djokovic

The greatest Australian Open tennis athlete across eras, holding a record of 10 Australian Open titles, Novak Djokovic will step at the Rod Laver Arena with one sole intention, to win the 25th Grand Slam trophy. The odds are heavily stacked against him but one expects the 37-year-old to deliver one final hurrah, and silence his critics once again as he has done so often during his incredible career.

Also Read: List of records Novak Djokovic can break at Australian Open 2025

Djokovic will set his sights on a fairytale ending, aiming for his 100th career title and cementing his legacy as the most successful tennis player in history at a venue where he boasts a perfect 100% record in Australian Open finals, having won all 10 championship matches.

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