Shock as one of the Australian Open's greatest heroes makes bombshell decision to skip the tournament's biggest match
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The Aussie tennis community and fans around the world will miss the presence of tennis legend Rod Laver at the 2025 Australian Open finals. Laver, 86, is reportedly in good health but has decided to not undertake the trip Down Under from his home in California to see the men's and women's singles titles play out on the court that was named after him.
![[Laver says he will be watching this year's final from his home in California]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/21/01/94327087-14306691-Laver_usually_attends_the_Open_final-a-50_1737422328825.jpg)
The only player in history to complete two calendar-year grand slam sweeps made the announcement through his social media channels,' he wrote. 'What an incredible year of tennis it's been! The new season in Australia is upon us. Unfortunately, I won't be able to compete in the first Grand Slam of the year.
![[Alex de Minaur has reached the last eight of Australian Open for the first time]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/21/01/94327361-14306691-Alex_de_Minaur_has_reached_the_last_eight_of_Australian_Open_for-a-51_1737422329684.jpg)
'Although I'm disappointed not to be able to attend the Australian Open and interact with the tennis fans in Melbourne, I will be watching the tournament from home and cheering on the players as they battle for glory. 'I hope you can all come to Melbourne Park for a wonderful summer of tennis!'.
Tennis legend Rod Laver will not attend 2025 Australian Open final. Laver says he will be watching this year's final from his home in California. It's the first time in a decade that the eleven-time Slam champion will not attend the Open, but spirits at the 'happy slam' remain high as the tournament heads towards the finals.
Aussie Alex de Minaur has kept his dreams alive by reaching the last eight of Australian Open for the first time. Looking to end a 49-year drought since Australia celebrated a local men's winner, de Minaur lodged a convincing 6-0 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 victory over rising American Alex Michelsen on Monday night.
