MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – The iconic blue courts of the Australian Open always bring new stories with a new season, and 2025 has proved no different. From rising young talents to seasoned veterans, Yonex-wielding players with diverse styles and backgrounds have advanced to the third round, showcasing their individuality.
The Comeback Moms March On
Naomi Osaka (JPN) continued her "revenge tour" at this year’s tournament. After defeating Caroline Garcia (FRA), her conqueror from last year’s Australian Open, in the first round, she faced Karolina Muchova (CZE), who had defeated her just four months ago at the US Open.
“I did think about the US Open match,” Osaka admitted. “After I lost that match, I often thought about what I could do better.”
But Muchova’s flawless start to their Melbourne encounter might have stirred those memories. Unable to disrupt the Czech player’s versatile game, Osaka lost the first set 1-6.
In the second set, though, Osaka told herself, “Just swing”. Once she committed to her aggressive style, the match turned dramatically. Riding a wave of momentum, she upped her service numbers and sharpened her footwork. She countered Muchova’s power and all-court approach with vintage Osaka tennis, claiming set two, 6-1.
The match point in the final set epitomized Osaka’s performance on the day: stretching her racket just in time, she sent a perfectly placed lob that dropped just onto the baseline. When Muchova’s return sailed out, Osaka jumped for joy, placing her hand on her chest as a smile of relief and happiness lit up her face.
Another mom-on-the-comeback is Belinda Bencic (SUI), playing her first Grand Slam since giving birth to her daughter in April. Playing Suzan Lamens (NED) in the second round, Bencic countered the Dutchwoman with her signature depth off of seamless groundstrokes, dominating the rallies.
Her mental strength shone through in the second-set tiebreaker. Seizing control after a double fault by her opponent, Bencic won three consecutive points to secure a 6-1, 7-6(3) victory.
The former world No. 4, as brilliant as before, now faces her next opponent: Naomi Osaka. This matchup between players who have known each other since their teens promises to be a highlight of the tournament’s first week.
Powerhouses Set Up Round 3 Yonex Showdowns
In the first round, Elena Rybakina (KAZ) defeated 16-year-old Australian Emerson Jones and then continued her dominance in round two, beating another teenage prodigy (and fellow Yonex star) Iva Jovic (USA).
Despite a challenge in the second set, Rybakina maintained her composure, overturning a break deficit and claiming the final five games of the match to win 6-0, 6-3.
The 2024 runner-up now faces last year’s semifinalist, Dayana Yastremska (UKR), in the third round, marking another high-stakes Yonex showdown.
The women’s draw features even more Yonex clashes. Twelfth seed Diana Shnaider overcame the fierce support for local favorite Ajla Tomljanovic (AUS) in the second round. The 20-year-old left-hander now meets 18th seed and VCORE user Donna Vekic (CRO) in what promises to be another thrilling match.
American Talent Ignites Australia
Two years ago, Ben Shelton (USA) made a sensational debut at the Australian Open, advancing to the quarterfinals. Today, he’s one of the ultimate crowd favorites in Melbourne.
Playing inside the intimate Kia Arena, Shelton fired explosive serves, clocking a top speed of 227 km/h, and clocked an impressive 17 aces against Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP). His fiery energy carried him to a 6-3, 6-3, 6-7, 6-4 victory, punctuated with a triumphant roar.
The one who ended Shelton’s remarkable debut run two years ago was none other than his American fellow and Yonex family member, Tommy Paul. In contrast to Shelton’s fiery playstyle, the 27-year-old Paul is known for his calm and composed demeanor.
In the third round, he faced former world No. 4 Kei Nishikori (JPN). Although Paul struggled in the first set against Nishikori’s lightning-fast tennis, he adapted masterfully to the cold, windy evening conditions. Keeping his cool, too, Paul claimed a 6-7, 6-0, 6-3, 6-1 victory.
Beyond equipping players with top-tier gear, Yonex plays a vital role in the tournament as the official stringing team. A group of 22 stringers from around the globe works tirelessly to string racquets daily, infusing the event with essential precision and energy.
Naomi Osaka (JPN): EZONE 98, POLYTOUR STRIKE125 / POLYTOUR PRO 125
Caroline Garcia (FRA): VCORE 100, POLYTOUR STRIKE 125, MELBOURNE COLLECTION
BEN SHELTON (USA): EZONE 98, POLYTOUR STRIKE125 / POLYTOUR PRO 125
Tommy Paul (USA): VCORE 98
Dayana Yastremska (UKR): PERCEPT100, POLYTOUR STRIKE 125
FUSIONREV 5, MELBOURNE COLLECTION
Diana Shnaider (RUS): EZONE 98, POLYTOUR FIRE 125
Donna Vekic (CRO): VCORE 98, POLYTOUR STRIKE 125