AO25 Rundown - Day Five Best Matchups

Hard to believe Australian Open is already five days in. We're mere hours away from the start of day five and already we have some blockbuster matchups courtesy of some stars being unseeded.

Emma Raducanu vs Amanda Anisimova

This will be one of the most watched matches of the day, easily the most watched in the WTA most likely. Raducanu's been a media darling since her magical US Open win 2021, and while Anisimova's star has faded since signing a record Nike deal as a teenager, she's on the comeback trail. That backhand is world class and she has shown her prodigious ability making a masters final in a shortened 2024 season.

Emma has changed her game from an aggressive baseliner to a grinder, and has the uncanny ability to lower her opponent's level. She can give Anisimova a lot of trouble today. The winner of this match also sets up a date with world #2 Iga Swiatek almost certainly on Friday.

Matteo Berretini vs Holger Rune

Matteo had a successful 2024 season, however he still missed time due to injury leaving him unseeded for the Australian Open, giving us this marquee matchup early in the tournament.

Rune's star has hit the ground since his magical 2022 Paris Masters run when everyone thought he'd join Alcaraz at the top of the ATP. Instead it was Sinner and Rune has only fallen since, dropping his rank to the teens coming into 2025. Still the promise, the explosiveness and the physicality are all still there. Maybe Rune is destined to be the player who wins tournaments once in a while when he redlines instead of the consistent superstar we thought he could be. Whoever he turns out to be, every match he plays is a must watch when any tournament could be one he finds that transcendental level.

Denis Shapovalov vs Lorenzo Musetti

Shapovalov, still only 25 is far from the player he used be when he was ranked 10 in the world as just a 20 year old. Injuries and lack of committment have cost him over the years but he's still one to watch any given day. Both these players are two of a dying breed. The one handed backhand has all but disappeared from the tour but not tonight. Lorenze has one of the most aesthetic one hander still on tour, unlike some others (Tsitsipas please) and Shapovalov's signature jumping one handed backhand, while not always consistent is a sight for sore eyes.

The winner of this match is likely not going to challenge for the championship, but for gorgeous and explosive shotmaking there isn't going to be many better matches to watch.