The first Grand Slam of the year is upon us, and the tennis world's focus shifts to Melbourne Park. Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys begin their Australian Open title defences from Sunday - and you can follow every thrilling moment, from the first serve to the final championship point, across the BBC.
The 2025 Australian Open promises to be a tournament of high stakes and compelling narratives. Sinner, the charismatic Italian who captured his maiden major here in 2024, returns as the man to beat on the men's side, facing immense pressure to defend his crown. Meanwhile, Keys, the powerful American, stunned the field last year to claim her first Grand Slam title and will look to prove it was no fluke in a fiercely competitive women's draw featuring the likes of Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, and a resurgent Naomi Osaka.
Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, the BBC is your comprehensive home for the Australian Open. With a multi-platform offering that spans live radio commentary, in-depth television highlights, up-to-the-minute digital coverage, and podcasts, you won't miss a beat of the action from the other side of the world.
Live Coverage: BBC Radio 5 Live & 5 Sports Extra
For the most immersive experience, tune into BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Sports Extra. The BBC's radio team will be delivering ball-by-ball commentary on all the biggest matches throughout the tournament. This is the perfect way to follow the drama unfold in real-time, whether you're at work, commuting, or at home.
The commentary team, led by the experienced voices of Gigi Salmon and Jonathan Overend, will be joined by expert analysts and former champions who bring unparalleled insight. You can expect to hear from the likes of former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash, British number one Cameron Norrie offering tactical breakdowns, and the insightful analysis of 2002 Australian Open champion Thomas Johansson. As Johansson noted in a recent preview, "The pressure on Sinner is immense, but his game is built for these hard courts. How he handles the expectation will be the story of the first week."
Coverage typically begins each evening (UK time) to coincide with the day session in Melbourne and runs through the night matches. Key scheduling details to note:
- Daily live commentary on selected matches from around 1:00 AM GMT onwards.
- Dedicated 'Australian Open Today' preview programmes in the evening.
- Extended coverage for all quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the finals.
Television Highlights: BBC Two & the BBC iPlayer
If you prefer to watch the action, BBC Two will broadcast a nightly highlights programme. "Australian Open Highlights" will air in a prime-time slot, offering a comprehensive round-up of the day's best rallies, biggest upsets, and most dramatic moments. Presented by Clare Balding, the show condenses hours of play into a digestible and entertaining package, perfect for catching up on all the key events you may have missed overnight.
All highlights programmes will also be available to watch on demand via BBC iPlayer shortly after broadcast, giving you the flexibility to watch whenever suits you. Furthermore, the BBC Sport website and app will host an array of video content, including:
- Press conference highlights and player interviews.
- Exclusive features and analysis from the BBC Sport team on the ground in Melbourne.
- Classic match replays and moments from the tournament's history.
Digital & Online: BBC Sport Website & App
For the fastest scores, breaking news, and in-depth analysis, the BBC Sport website and mobile app are indispensable resources. The dedicated Australian Open live page will provide:
- Live scores, updated point-by-point for all courts.
- Detailed match reports and post-match reaction published within minutes of each match concluding.
- News articles on all the major storylines, from injury updates to off-court drama.
The digital team, including tennis correspondent Russell Fuller and reporter Jonathan Jurejko, will be providing text commentary (live text) on the most significant matches. This format allows for real-time updates, fan interaction, and expert commentary, all in one place. As Fuller observed ahead of the tournament, "The depth in the women's draw is phenomenal. While Keys is defending champion, there are at least eight players who will genuinely believe they can win it this fortnight."
The Social Media Hub
Follow @BBCSport on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for bite-sized updates, stunning photography, and the best video clips from Melbourne. The social channels are perfect for staying connected with the tournament's biggest moments and engaging with other fans.
Podcasts: The Tennis Podcast & BBC Sounds
For deeper analysis and discussion, the BBC offers excellent podcast coverage. "The Tennis Podcast" (in association with BBC Radio 5 Live) will be releasing daily episodes throughout the tournament. Hosted by Catherine Whitaker, David Law, and Matt Roberts, it provides witty, insightful, and often passionate discussion of the day's events, featuring interviews with players and journalists.
You can find these podcasts on BBC Sounds, as well as all other major podcast platforms. They are the perfect companion for your morning commute or evening wind-down, offering reflection and previews you won't get elsewhere.
Key Dates & What to Look Out For
The tournament runs from Sunday, 12th January to Sunday, 26th January 2025. The first week will see the field whittled down, with potential early-round blockbusters always a possibility. The second week builds towards a thrilling climax:
- Quarter-Finals: Begin Tuesday, 21st January.
- Semi-Finals: Women's on Thursday 23rd, Men's on Friday 24th January.
- Women's Final: Saturday, 25th January (approx. 8:30 AM GMT).
- Men's Final: Sunday, 26th January (approx. 8:30 AM GMT).
Beyond the title defences, watch for British interest, with Cameron Norrie, Jack Draper, and Katie Boulter aiming for deep runs. The return of Rafael Nadal, if fit, would add another layer of intrigue, while the next generation of stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Mirra Andreeva will be eager to make their mark.
In summary, the BBC's multi-faceted coverage ensures you have every angle of the Australian Open covered. From the live radio buzz of a fifth-set tie-break to the curated highlights on BBC Two, and from instant digital updates to thoughtful podcast analysis, your Grand Slam experience is fully catered for. As the tennis world descends on Melbourne, the BBC will be there to bring you all the heat, drama, and champion moments. Get ready for two weeks of spectacular tennis.