The 2025 season is around the corner and as always, it is slated to commence with a bang. With players prepping to jet for the Australian Open, the excitement never fails to fuel the thrilling atmosphere on the tour. It only adds up to it. And, in case you’re questioning the hype, Serena Williams‘ and Venus Williams‘s former coach has recently aired fun updates surrounding the Slam’s WTA lineup for the upcoming edition.

On the one side, Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka will take up the reins to defend her title, while on the other, contestants will aim to dig deep and thwart her chances to triumph. However, pocketing the title won’t be a piece of cake. Rivals like Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek, Qinwen Zheng, Jessica Pegula, and others, will actively hunt down challenges posing a threat to their potential season-starting glory. While the ATP offers more captivating showdowns every year, Williams’s ex-coach Rick Macci has presented information that could turn into big news for the women’s category at the hardcourt Grand Slam.

In a post on X, the American coach highlighted the brewing speculations and questions around the induction of new WTA faces in Melbourne. Though he refrained from naming specific players, the 69-year-old issued a stern warning to competitors and alarmed them of the formidability of a ‘talented young Russian’. Naturally, that brings Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider into the discussion. The talented duo from Russia have already set their mark on the circuit, and best believe, will look to stay efficient on the Grand Slam stage.

He said, “This year the first major for the WTA TOUR is really the AUSTRALIAN WIDE OPEN as many subplots and questions marks with the top players and new faces ready to enter the Grand Slam Discussion but keep a special eye on the talented young Russian.” But, the story doesn’t end there.

With almost a month left for the event’s kick-off, updates have been constantly adding up to fans’ social media pages and there’s a good reason for that. Two players are set to mark their return to tennis at the Melbourne Slam.

Caroline Garcia and Nick Kyrgios announce return at the Australian Open in 2025

After spending an extensive lot restricted to the sidelines due to noteworthy concerns, Spanish Carolina Garcia and home favorite Nick Kyrgios are set to return to the tour. They will mark their appearance at the Australian Open in 2025. The 31-year-old Spaniard hasn’t competed since September due to battles with anxiety and panic attacks. While maintaining a healthy mental health still tops the priority chart for her, Garcia took to X to express her feelings ahead of her much-awaited return.

She said, “In just one month, if all goes well, I’ll step back onto the court at the Australian Open. This is more than a return to competition—it’s a personal reckoning. Every day, I’m putting in the work, pushing myself to be ready both physically and mentally. The focus is no longer on the destination, but on embracing the journey, with all its challenges and beauty. Winning has to be the outcome, not the goal.” Similarly, Aussie Kyrgios also confirmed his highly-anticipated return, but, he will follow up the Melbourne Slam with the Brisbane International.

With old players returning and a list of the new ones still in the works, fans can expect the Australian Open to be a complete blockbuster. Moreover, for players, a successful launch to the season will naturally go a long way in boosting their morale and maintaining an optimistic approach throughout the year.