John McEnroe makes Australian Open women’s title prediction as he picks from Sabalenka, Swiatek, Gauff
Tennis legend John McEnroe has weighed in on the 2025 Australian Open women’s title race, offering his predictions on who could emerge victorious from a highly competitive field that includes Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Świątek, and Coco Gauff. McEnroe, known for his sharp analysis and bold opinions, gave his thoughts on the top contenders, assessing their chances of winning the first Grand Slam of the year.
McEnroe first highlighted Aryna Sabalenka, the reigning champion and world No. 1, as a strong favorite. Sabalenka’s powerful game and mental toughness have been on display since she claimed her first Grand Slam title at the 2023 Australian Open, and McEnroe believes she is well-positioned to defend her crown. “Sabalenka has all the tools—her power, her serve, her aggressive style. She’s got the confidence of being the defending champion, and I think that plays a huge role. I wouldn’t be surprised to see her lift the trophy again.”
Next, McEnroe discussed Iga Świątek, the current world No. 2 and a former French Open champion. Świątek has consistently been one of the most dominant players on the WTA Tour, known for her consistency, mental fortitude, and ability to adapt to different surfaces. McEnroe believes that Świątek has the skills to go all the way, saying, “Iga is such a smart player, and she’s already proven she can win on the big stage. Her versatility and mental game make her a huge threat, especially if she finds her rhythm early.”
As for Coco Gauff, McEnroe acknowledged the young American’s rapid rise and potential to make a deep run. Gauff, who won the 2023 US Open, has shown maturity beyond her years and has continued to improve her all-around game. “Coco Gauff is the future of women’s tennis, no doubt. She’s got the athleticism, the passion, and now the experience of winning a Grand Slam. If she can handle the pressure and play her game, I see her as a real contender,” McEnroe noted.
When pressed to make a final prediction, McEnroe said it was difficult to choose between Sabalenka and Świątek but ultimately leaned slightly toward Sabalenka due to her current form and momentum. “It’s going to be a close call between those two, but if I had to pick right now, I’d say Sabalenka has the edge. She’s in great shape, and her game seems perfectly suited for the conditions in Melbourne.”
The women’s draw at the Australian Open remains wide open, with Sabalenka, Świątek, and Gauff leading the charge, but McEnroe’s assessment suggests that the defending champion Sabalenka could once again be the player to beat.
