Andy Roddick picks between Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek in Australian Open favourite verdict

Former US Open champion Andy Roddick has assessed Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff’s Australian Open prospects and revealed his favourite for the title.

Sabalenka is the world No 1 and two-time reigning Australian Open champion, while she won her third Grand Slam title at the 2024 US Open.

The 26-year-old Belarusian, who started 2025 by winning the WTA 500 tournament in Brisbane, could meet third seed Coco Gauff in the semi-finals in Melbourne.

Gauff, a US Open champion in 2023, is another player in blistering form, having inspired the United States to victory at the United Cup. The 20-year-old American won all five of her United Cup singles matches — and her two doubles matches — without losing a set.

Iga Swiatek, the world No 2 and a five-time major champion, is on the opposite side of the draw to Sabalenka and Gauff. The 23-year-old Pole is seeking her maiden Australian Open crown.

Speaking to Betway, Roddick gave his verdict on the three leading contenders in the women’s singles event at Melbourne Park.

“In the women’s, Aryna Sabalenka is the clear favourite on this surface and I don’t think you can bet against her on the hard-court, but Coco Gauff has entered a conversation that she was missing from since last year’s Australian Open,” the former world No 1 said.

“She actually played really well there and had Sabalenka against the ropes, but she struggled from March to September.

“Coco has played phenomenally well recently, winning the WTA Finals and serving a lot better, and then running the table in the United Cup and beating Iga Swiatek twice in a row. That covers a lot of real estate for confidence – going against her toughest match-up and winning a couple of times.

“Coco was the best player in the summer leading up to her US Open win, and you can very easily make the case that she’s been the best player since last year’s US Open.

“You probably put a little more stock in Sabalenka winning the US Open and winning in Brisbane this year, but Coco is a different player than she was even last August.

“She battled some really tough stuff mentally last year and still finished at No 3 in the world. If three in the world is her floor, I still don’t think we’ve been even close to her ceiling.

“Iga Swiatek is coming off those two defeats to Coco Gauff and has a drug case hanging over her head as well. She’s not someone that is thirsty for attention outside of her accomplishments.

“With her process and her discipline, there’s a reason why she’s won as many majors as she has, and has been so great already.