Australian Open fans exposed on TikTok predicting retired stars to win 2025 title

Some thought Federer, Williams, and Nadal were still in the game—despite their retirements.

 A viral TikTok video has taken the Australian Open by storm, showcasing fans at Melbourne Park hilariously misjudging the current state of tennis. 

The footage, uploaded by Connor Kennedy, captures spectators responding with confusion, despite attending one of the sport's biggest events.

As the 2025 Australian Open continues, a number of fans were asked who they thought would win the prestigious tournament. To the amusement of viewers, many couldn't name an active player and made baffling predictions that sent shockwaves through the tennis world.

One fan confidently declared that "Federer would win for sure," despite the Swiss tennis icon retiring from the ATP circuit in 2022. 

Another stated that both Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal would have a strong chance of progressing deep into the tournament. 

However, both Williams and Nadal have been retired from professional tennis for some time, with Nadal leaving the circuit last year.

Connor Kennedy's viral TikTok clip quickly gained traction, amassing nearly 110,000 views by Thursday afternoon. The reactions show that, despite the high attendance at the Australian Open, many fans are still out of the loop when it comes to the game's current landscape. “Serena Williams was a chance,” one fan said jokingly when interviewed by Kennedy, humorously highlighting the gap in knowledge.

@connorkenx

Does anyone know who's actually playing at the AO this year?? #ausopen #australianopen

♬ original sound - Connor Kennedy

The Australian Open has attracted over 250,000 fans so far, but some of the event’s visitors seem to be lacking a solid understanding of the game. 

For example, one interviewee openly admitted to not being a tennis fan, despite being at the Grand Slam event.

In a bit of an unexpected twist, tennis legend John McEnroe, known for his fiery persona, briefly appeared in the video but declined to comment on the questions posed by Kennedy.

Ticket prices for the 2025 Australian Open have risen significantly compared to a decade ago, with ground passes now starting at $59, compared to the $35 general admission tickets of the past. 

With over 250,000 fans passing through the gates, the grand slam has once again drawn a massive crowd, though it's clear that not everyone is up to speed on the sport’s current stars.