From the wise to the wacky, perceptive to profound, players proved they can be as clever with a microphone as they are with a racquet at AO 2025.
Here are some of our favourite quotes from Melbourne Park this year.
“What I understood this time is every day is different. You have days where you might feel a bit not 100 per cent, and then the next match all of a sudden, 'Okay, I'm into the tournament'. I think I've learned many things throughout one year. Not watching about result, but how I am as a person and how I handle the situation on the court.”
Jannik Sinner, on the contrasts between his AO 2024 title and his title defence in 2025.
“I just kept telling myself, ‘Be brave, go for it. Just lay it all out on the line’. At that point, no matter what happens, if I do that, then I can be proud of myself. It just made it a little bit easier.”
Madison Keys reflects on the intense final moments of the third set in the AO 2025 women’s singles final, which propelled her into the Grand Slam winner’s circle.
“I think the answer to winning a Grand Slam is you letting me win one.”
Alexander Zverev's response to Novak Djokovic's playful stint as an interviewer during a pre-tournament press conference – a moment that gained a touch of irony when the pair’s semifinal ended with Djokovic’s abrupt injury retirement.
“It’s amazing to be next to these names. I cannot compare myself with these players. They have done so, so many things. I’m just trying to make my own little story.”
Jannik Sinner on becoming the fourth player, alongside Andre Agassi, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, to win 15 consecutive hard-court Grand Slam matches.
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“I've learned quite a lot from John these last couple of weeks. You know, he's an amazing person and player. He just really taught me to keep enjoying it, keep showing up. When you have your chance, take it. But even if you don't, there will be many more.”
Olivia Gadecki after combining with the experienced John Peers to claim the AO 2025 mixed doubles title.
“I think we keep on riding the wave. Good things are happening. Let's not stop here. We have three more Slams this year... We're still a very young team. Just keep going higher and higher and [you] never know where you end up.”
Harri Heliovaara, who, with partner Henry Patten, added the AO 2025 men’s doubles title to their Wimbledon 2024 triumph.
“This sport has always been giving me so much in my life, an opportunity to play at the Grand Slams. I try not to take it for granted after great achievements that I'm very proud of... Grand Slam matches and Grand Slam wins are what counts the most in our sport.”
Novak Djokovic on making history with his 430th Grand Slam singles match, setting an all-time record for both men's and women's players.
“Question is to the young girls, because I'm still here and I'm in the quarterfinal. Maybe better to ask them why I'm still here and I'm still winning.”
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova when asked if she was surprised to be an Australian Open quarterfinalist at age 33.
“I have worked really hard on myself to give myself these opportunities and chances. It hasn't been overnight. It's been a long process. But I'm glad that I'm showing this consistency, and it's a good feeling to have four back-to-back quarterfinals at Slams.”
Alex De Minaur when asked about his years playing at the AO.
“This fighting spirit that I have is completely Ukrainian. A Ukrainian spirit that I try to show, that I try to represent. To find a way to bring a little light, a little win for Ukrainian people is something I feel I am responsible for.”
Elina Svitolina, AO quarterfinalist in her first tournament since August, on her powerful motivation for success.
“To be honest with you, is not even a dream to win the tournament. My dream is to be old and with a lot of kids and healthy. My dream is to have an unbelievable family.”
Gael Monfils, who proudly shares a daughter with wife Elina Svitolina, explains how dreams come true in different ways.
“So the theme is sunflower. Every Slam this year will have a flower-theme shoe. I think that’s really cute... the Australian Open is the Happy Slam.”
Naomi Osaka explains the sunflower motifs on her AO Nike kit.
“I have never beaten either of them. That’s the problem. Last time I played my dad I think I was 13 years old, and my dad, I think he either bageled me or double-bageled me, and we never played again. I just don’t want to play him [now]. He’s forever my idol, and it would be weird to play him in a match and beat him.”
Sebastian Korda, son of AO 1998 champion Petr Korda and former WTA star Regina Rajchrtova, avoids facing his famous parents on court.
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“It's definitely I think the nicest week I've had in my life just because it wasn't really only about the result, but also about the whole story. I was always waiting for that moment. I've had a lot of nights where I was actually talking to my parents, often with tears, asking, ‘When will the time come?’ Because I know I have the potential, but sometimes I am the only person that's really standing in my own way.”
Eva Lys, a lucky loser, on her journey to the Australian Open fourth round.
“Honestly, the reason I kept playing, and tried to play tonight, was because of the fans. I don't know how many times I'm going to be back here again. That's why I didn't have headphones on, I wasn't listening to music. I walked out there today wanting to hear the crowd. There were some special moments.”
Nick Kyrgios made an emotional Australian Open return after a two-year injury-enforced absence.
“It’s awesome. Most of us Aussies try to get on Show Court 3 if we can. It’s a great atmosphere. You get a packed stadium, a lot of fans banging on banners. It’s a lot of energy and a pretty special place.”
James Duckworth, a frequent presence on Melbourne Park’s Court 3, expressed his admiration for the court and the connection he feels with it.
“I’m going to use every opportunity now to go and enjoy Australia. I feel like the world has better colours here, everything is brighter and more fun.”
Iga Swiatek has found her happy place at the Happy Slam.
“The crowd was absolutely wild. It made it even more special to win in front of them. It’s been a special time for me to have all the Lebanese people join in on the community.”
Hady Habib, who became the first Lebanese player to qualify for a Grand Slam at AO 2025, on the support he received while making history for his nation.
“Today the support meant so much to me. So thank you so much. I really needed you guys. So, it's 90% yours and 10% I try to make you happy.”
Jannik Sinner credits the crowd for his gruelling fourth round match against Holger Rune.