The Australian Open reaches a climax this weekend, with the women’s singles final on Saturday, followed by the men’s on Sunday in Melbourne.
Aryna Sabalenka is proving once again to be the dominant force in the women’s draw as she bids for her third straight title at the first Grand Slam of the year.
Standing in her way is American Madison Keys who is into the final for the first time in Melbourne having been to two semi-finals in the past, the first back in 2015.
In the men’s final, Jannik Sinner is looking to retain the title he won last year and add a third Grand Slam to his collection after also winning the US Open in 2024.
Alexander Zverev is his opponent, who is competing in a third Grand Slam final but has never lifted any of the four great trophies so far in his career.
Zverev has twice been to the semis in Melbourne before, while the Italian is also in his third Grand Slam final, but has won on his previous two runs to the showpiece.
It is a battle between the top two in the world rankings, with Sinner number one and Zverev one place behind him.
When is the Australian Open women’s singles final?
Sabalenka and Keys meet at 8.30am UK time, which is 7.30pm locally in Melbourne, on Saturday 25 January.
When is the Australian Open men’s singles final?
Sinner and Zverev clash the following day, due to start at 8.30am UK time on Sunday 26 January.
How to watch the Australian Open on TV in the UK
Coverage of the Australian Open is on Eurosport, with streaming available on Discovery+.
Coverage begins at 8am from Melbourne Park.
Australian Open prize money
- Winner: £1,760,000 (AU $3,500,000)
- Runner-up: £955,000 (AU $1,900,000)
- Semi-finals: £553,000 (AU 1,100,000)
- Quarter-finals: £334,000 (AU $665,000)
- Round 4: £211,000 (AU $420,000)
- Round 3: £146,000 (AU $290,000)
- Round 2: £100,000 (AU $200,000)
- Round 1: £66,300 (AU $132,000)
On her chances of becoming the first woman to win three titles on the spin since Martina Hingis in 1999, world number one Sabalenka said: ‘It’s crazy that I’m in a situation where I have a chance to put my name next to legends. I couldn’t dream about that. It’s going to mean a lot.
‘I just feel at home. Last year I thought ‘OK, I feel at home, I feel so good here, I feel all the support’. This year I feel it even more.
‘It feels like coming home to my home Slam.’
MORE: ‘It feels a little bit embarrassing’ – Andy Murray on Novak Djokovic partnership after Australian Open exit
MORE: Novak Djokovic booed by fans after retiring from Australian Open semi-final
MORE: Novak Djokovic makes decision amid Australian Open withdrawal rumours
