2025 AO media day: Sabalenka 'sounds too cocky,' Medvedev hints at 'interesting things' & Zheng's 'the boss'
Plus: Kyrgios eyes a night out with Novak in Belgrade, and Gauff is ready should the first-on call come at the Australian Open.
The first Grand Slam event of the season will commence shortly—and with it comes a return to the main interview room for the game's top players.
Several of your favorite stars made their media rounds Friday in Melbourne ahead of launching their Australian Open campaigns. Here’s a taste of what was discussed.
Aryna welcomes the target on her back
“I always liked to compete. I always liked to accept, like, really tough challenges,” Sabalenka began.
“For me being the one to chase, I mean, I don't know, I like it. I like that feeling. That's what drives me and help me to stay motivated because I know that I have target on my back. I really like to have it. That's why I work really hard, make sure that nobody can gets to me.
“Oh, my God, it sounds too cocky, isn't it (laughter)?”
Read more: Sabalenka on January cover of Harper’s Bazaar Australia
Dad Daniil: watch for ‘interesting things’
**“**I feel like I'm at the age where I want to be at home. I don't see myself ever playing something before Australian Open because I really like to spend this time with my family, which is growing,” said Medvedev about his wife Daria giving birth to their second child.
“So yeah, I think the season starts too early. But I feel great, because it gives me extra time to practice. I think we're going to see a lot of interesting things from me, and I'm looking forward to it.”
Read more: Medvedev surprises tennis world with announcement of second child
Coco is ready for the early shift if need be
“When I practice at home, I practice, this off-season, 8, 9 a.m. because I like to have that. When I practice, I practice early just 'cause I like to have the afternoon to myself,” shared Gauff.
“I can get up early. I'm not, like, slow to wake up. Once I get some food in me, I'm pretty much good (smiling).”
Read more: Gauff invests in Unrivaled women’s basketball league
Nick wants a night out, not an exhibition, with Nole in Belgrade
“If he pays me (smiling). I think he can pay me a pretty good amount,” Kyrgios joked about what it would take to do an exhibition with Djokovic in Serbia.
“I'll happily come. I don't even want to play tennis there. I want to party in Belgrade. I want to party with Djokovic in Serbia, like that. That will go down as the greatest of all time.”
Read more: Kyrgios to make pro pickleball debut with Sock in Australia
Qinwen, the boss girl
“I am not going to say specific my goal. I will keep it for myself, by my own. But if I am a boss in my team, I think I am a tough boss for them. I've been pushing everyone,” 2024 Australian Open finalist Zheng said.
“I always feel like my practice is not good enough. I always feel there is something I could do better. Always in the fitness side is the same. Treatment is the same. To the coach I say, ‘I think my backhand down the line is to improve. I think my return is to improve.’
“I always come on the court with, ‘Okay, we are not good enough.’”
Read more: Zheng withdrew from United Cup to focus on Australian Open