The Australian Open prize money plan for 2025 has been announced, with an increase of 11.56% compared to last year. The champion will receive 3.5 million Australian dollars (3.15 million last year); the runner-up will get 1.9 million (1.72 million last year), the semi-finalists will receive 1.1 million (990,000 last year), the quarter-finalists will get 655,000 (600,000 last year), the round of 16 will receive 420,000 (375,000 last year), the third round will get 290,000 (255,000 last year), the second round will receive 200,000 (180,000 last year), and the first round will get 132,000 (120,000 last year).
The tournament starts on January 6th, with qualifying rounds from the 6th to the 11th, and the main draw from the 12th to the 26th. CCTV will begin live broadcasting from the main draw. A total of 14 Chinese players are participating, with 10 of them qualifying for the singles main draw. Wei Sijia, Zhu Lin, Gao Xin'yu, and Shi Han will participate in the qualifying rounds.
Among them, Zheng Qinwen is the most prominent, as she arrived in Australia early and has been frequently attending various events. The Australian Open officials have launched a countdown promotional poster featuring Zheng Qinwen, and even published an article titled "Five Reasons Why We Love Zheng Qinwen." It's worth noting that Zheng Qinwen didn't have much popularity at last year's Australian Open, but this year the tournament is constantly giving her prominence, and she will also participate in the Australian Open exhibition match.
Zheng Qinwen's attire during the Australian Open countdown event has sparked controversy. While the tournament director wore a suit and shirt, Zheng Qinwen chose to wear something similar to pink yoga pants, which tightly displayed her physique that had become stronger after winter training. Her body looks significantly more muscular, with a full sense of power, indicating that she has worked hard during the winter training to defeat her strong opponent, Sabalenka. The Australian Open officials have also given Zheng Qinwen star treatment.
Last year, Zheng Qinwen won the runner-up trophy at the Australian Open. This year, whether she has the chance to lift the Daphne Cup should be one of the biggest highlights of the Australian Open. Unlike other opponents who are participating in matches to prepare for the Australian Open, Zheng Qinwen has not competed before the Australian Open but has frequently attended various events. Fortunately, there is still an exhibition match before the Australian Open, and it is hoped that she can quickly enter the competitive rhythm. There are many areas that need adjustment, and more targeted training may be more effective when improving her game.
Since Zheng Qinwen gained high popularity, many people always regard winning the championship as a goal she must achieve. Does Zheng Qinwen have to win the championship at the Australian Open? She just needs to do her best. If she sets a goal of winning the championship but fails to achieve it, it could be a significant blow to her. Moreover, fans with high expectations for Zheng Qinwen might turn around and resent or abuse her. It's best to approach it with a normal heart, considering each round as it comes. In any case, she won't drop out of the top ten after the Australian Open. Zheng Qinwen's strength should keep her firmly within the world's top ten, although she still has some gaps with players like Sabalenka, Gauff, and Swiatek. Entering the top eight is normal performance, reaching the top four indicates good form, making it to the final is an overperformance, and if she wins the championship, it would be sheer luck.