The 2025 Australian Open women’s singles draw is packed with talent, and the action is already underway at Melbourne Park. Two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, who has dominated hard-court Grand Slams with three consecutive titles, enters the tournament as the +160 favorite. Currently ranked world number one, Sabalenka’s form makes her the player to beat, though Iga Swiatek is closing in. The five-time Grand Slam champion, listed at +400, will be looking to start the year with a win and narrow the gap at the top of the rankings.
American Coco Gauff, still chasing her second major title, is also priced at +400 and remains a strong contender. With so much talent on display, the question is: which players offer the best value in the 2025 Australian Open women’s betting market?
The tournament officially kicked off on Saturday night, with 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva making a strong debut by defeating Marie Bouzkova 6-3, 6-3 in the first round.
Aryna Sabalenka is entering the 2025 Australian Open on the back of an unforgettable 2024 season, where she claimed two Grand Slam titles and ascended to world number one. She’s undeniably the favorite in Melbourne, having captured the championship in dominant fashion over the past two years. Last year, Sabalenka retained her title without losing a single set, a repeat of her impressive debut victory in 2023.
Her preparations for 2025 are off to a strong start as well. She has a title win at the Brisbane International already under her belt. Betting sites reflect her exceptional form, placing her as the +160 favorite to complete a hat-trick of Australian Open titles.
The 26-year-old made light work of a potentially challenging opening-round match against former US Open champion Sloane Stephens. Currently ranked 66th, Stephens didn’t pose a threat and was beaten 6-3, 6-2. Sabalenka’s potential path to the final could include a semi-final clash with American Coco Gauff. However, given that Sabalenka has dropped just one set in Melbourne over the last two years—against Elena Rybakina in the 2023 final—she remains the clear player to beat this year.
Aryna Sabalenka’s primary challenger at the moment is Iga Swiatek, who is listed at +400 to win her first Australian Open title. Swiatek’s best showing in Melbourne came in 2022 when she reached the semi-finals. She enters this year’s tournament in solid form. Representing Poland at the United Cup, she won four of her five singles matches. Her only loss coming in the final against Coco Gauff.
Swiatek’s potential path includes a third-round meeting with Great Britain’s Emma Raducanu, though the British star’s fitness remains a significant concern. Raducanu has yet to compete this year after withdrawing from the Auckland Open due to a back injury. She faced a tough challenge in the opening round against 26th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova, but came through with a 6-2, 6-4 win.
Outside Bet
Naomi Osaka is an intriguing outside bet for the 2025 Australian Open. She has odds of +5000 despite her pedigree as a former world number one and two-time champion in Melbourne. Osaka’s two Australian Open titles (2019 and 2021) and two US Open victories show she has the ability to dominate on hard courts when in top form. However, whether she can return to that level remains uncertain after a long absence.
Since taking a break to have her daughter in 2023, Osaka has played in only 16 tournaments. Her best Grand Slam result since her return is a second-round appearance. Last year, she was eliminated in the first round of the Australian Open by 16th seed Caroline Garcia, losing in straight sets.
In a twist of fate, Osaka and Garcia met again in the first round this year with Naomi winning 6-3, 3-6, 6-3. Osaka is in a better position now, having reached the final of the Auckland Open before withdrawing due to injury. Osaka could provide substantial value as a dark horse. She has proven ability to thrive on hard courts when in form.
Starting out in the betting industry, Henry later found his calling in sports writing. Specializing in soccer, golf, and darts, he also offers insights into a wide array of sports across the globe. After earning a BA Honors degree in Business and Management, Henry advanced through the ranks at William Hill in England. His career isn't just limited to sports; he's also made a mark in Property and Finance, fields in which he remains engaged. Henry now resides in Barcelona, where he enjoys playing golf year-round as part of the Real Federacion Espanola de Golf.