Which Florida players will excel at this year's Australian Open?
Jan 13, 2025
As the tennis world turns its attention overseas, Florida athletes are ready to make their mark at the 2025 Australian Open. With a mix of seasoned champions and rising stars, USTA Florida’s representation in the season’s first Grand Slam is as strong as ever.
Coco Gauff enters the tournament riding high after a stellar 2024 season. She ended the year as the top WTA player, winning the WTA Finals and entered the year as the No. 3 ranked woman in the world. Gauff is also riding in on a strong start to the year, with some wins for Team USA at the United Cup. All eyes will be on the 20-year-old as she looks for her second Grand Slam title in Singles.
Above: Delray Beach-based player Coco Gauff. Photo: New Balance.
After announcing that 2024 would be her final year on the tour, Danielle Collins returns to the tennis courts in 2025. Late last year, Collins informed her fans that 2024 would not be the end and she is ready to compete for at least another year. A former Australian Open finalist and Miami Open champion last year, she is eager to capture her first Grand Slam trophy.
One of the biggest American stars in tennis right now is Ben Shelton. The electrifying left-hander from Gainesville is making waves on the ATP Tour. He comes into 2025 looking for his first Grand Slam title and hopes to break into the ATP top 10 for the first time in his young career.
Another rising star, Sebastian Korda, is looking to continue his solid 2024 season. Korda has had success at the Australian Open before, reaching the quarterfinals and there is no doubt he can put out a strong performance this year.
Above: Sarasota's Seb Korda. Photo: ATP Tour.
Returning from injury over the past two seasons, Reilly Opelka is back competing and looking to make a name for himself. Already in 2025, he has defeated Novak Djokovic at the Brisbane International. Be on the lookout for Opelka throughout the year.
Sloane Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion, returns for another season, bringing her expertise to the tennis courts. Another former Grand Slam Champion, Sofia Kenin is looking to recapture the magic that brought her to top of the sport after winning the Australian Open in 2020. Stephens and Kenin have had a lot of success over their careers, making them both dark horses in the women’s draw.
Amanda Anisimova made the fourth round at last year’s Australian Open and is looking to build on that in 2025. Fans should keep their eyes out for her throughout the tournament and the year.
Above: Aventura's Amanda Anisimova. Photo: Carine06 from UK, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikipedia Commons.
Finally, the Florida doubles specialists in Austin Krajicek and Nicole Melichar-Martinez are looking to capture titles. Krajicek enters 2025 with a new partner as he teams up with fellow American, Rajeev Ram. This duo had success at the 2024 Olympics, taking home the Silver Medal for Team USA and is hopeful to win some titles on the tour this year. Making a few finals in the past, Melichar-Martinez is looking for her first Grand Slam title and has the talent to get it done.
The 2025 Australian Open promises thrilling matches and unforgettable moments as USTA Florida athletes showcase their talents. With a mix of youth, experience, and tenacity, Florida’s representatives are ready to shine under the bright lights of Melbourne Park.
USTA Florida Infographic
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Written by: Jaret Kappelman, Marketing & Communications Coordinator for USTA Florida. Be sure to check out USTA Florida, the governing body of amateur tennis in Florida, offering tennis programs for all ages and ability levels. Stay updated by following our friends at USTA Florida on Instagram and viewing their News page as well.