After wrapping up his 2024 season, Matteo Arnaldi is eager to bring the heat to the 2025 Australian Open. Although he didn’t win any titles this year, his performance was commendable, finishing with a 28-25 win-loss record. A standout moment was his impressive victory over sixth seed Andrey Rublev at the 2024 French Open, where he triumphed with a score of 7-6(6), 6-2, 6-4. This showcased his potential to compete against the best.

On Thursday’s episode of The AO Show, Arnaldi shared his excitement about becoming an “honorary Australian” after buying a home in Melbourne with his girlfriend, Mia Savio. He humorously referred to this status while discussing the main draw of the Australian Open 2025, which includes stars like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Despite his early exit from this year’s tournament, Arnaldi is ready for the challenge next year. When asked what the Aussie players can expect from him on the court, he confidently stated, “A lot. It can happen a lot. It can happen for sure they’re gonna see a fight, that’s for sure.”

Arnaldi continued, “They gonna see me running around the court, sliding. That’s what I do.” He also mentioned if fans enjoy it, they’ll see him “trying to push sometimes and go to the net,” reminiscent of the classic Australian style of play. Meanwhile, Nick Kyrgios is gearing up for a fiery comeback at the Australian Open after a year off due to injuries and surgeries. Other notable Australians in the main draw of the tournament include Alex de Minaur, Alexei Popyrin, and Thanasi Kokkinakis.

Arnaldi has set his main goal as “to try to go a bit over the net, try to be more aggressive on the court,” much like Kyrgios. However, he admitted that this style may not come naturally to him: “It’s not in my blood for sure.” As the 2025 season approaches, excitement builds for this Italian star as he prepares to showcase his skills against top players like Sinner and Alcaraz—all vying for Grand Slam glory.

Notably, Novak Djokovic—Arnaldi’s childhood idol—will be joined by coach Andy Murray as he prepares for the major tournament.

Italian star opens up about his tennis journey and idolizing Nole growing up

On December 12, during a chat with GQ, Matteo Arnaldi opened up about his admiration for Novak Djokovic. The Italian, currently ranked No. 37, revealed that Djokovic’s epic win over Rafael Nadal in the 2012 Australian Open final holds a special place in his heart. “Djokovic has been my idol since I was a child,” Arnaldi stated. Although he turned professional in 2019, Arnaldi has yet to face Djokovic on the ATP Tour. He shared his respect for Nadal and Roger Federer, acknowledging their contributions to the sport.

“One of the matches that I was most passionate about was the 2012 Australian Open final, Nole against Nadal,” he added. “Even if I have a predilection for the Serb, it’s impossible not to recognize that with Federer and Nadal those three have done something special.”

As a tennis player, Arnaldi enjoys the travel that comes with the profession. He remarked, “Seeing new cities and cultures has always thrilled me.” Additionally, he expressed his passion for the sport, saying, “I like tennis just as I play. I watch a lot of matches on TV too, to the point that my team tells me to take a break every now and then!”

Balancing life as a traveling athlete can be challenging, but Arnaldi embraces it. “Not at all,” he confirmed when asked if it was burdensome. He appreciates having his team and girlfriend by his side, which helps him disconnect and enjoy downtime.

With the 2025 season on the horizon, Arnaldi seems eager to turn a new leaf at the Australian Open. Will he be able to make a mark in the Melbourne Major? Share your thoughts in the comments below!