Retired Australian tennis icon Ash Barty has stunned fans with her unexpected predictions for who will lift the men’s and women’s crowns at the upcoming Australian Open. Known for her calm insight and unique perspective on the game, Barty’s choices veer away from the usual favorites, sparking intrigue across the tennis world.
For the men’s draw, rather than backing established legends like Novak Djokovic or Carlos Alcaraz, Barty tipped an underdog to rise. She pointed to Alex de Minaur, her fellow Australian, as a serious contender, praising his relentless speed and growing maturity on the big stage. “Alex has the heart, the fight, and the home crowd behind him. If he plays with belief, he can shock the field,” Barty noted.
On the women’s side, her prediction was just as bold. Instead of Iga Świątek or Aryna Sabalenka, she highlighted a younger talent on the rise, suggesting that the tournament could witness a breakout star. Barty stressed that the Australian Open has a history of producing surprise winners, and 2025 may be no different.
Her fearless calls have sparked debates among fans and pundits, showing once again that even in retirement, Ash Barty continues to shape conversations in world tennis.
