2025 AUSSIE SLIDING DOORS: IF ALEX REACHES A MAJOR SEMI, THEN...

Over the past 12 months, doubts about Australian tennis' depth have slowly evaporated with consistent results and major breakthroughs.

Alexei Popyrin showcased in his famous victory over Novak Djokovic at the US Open that he too, along with Alex de Minaur, can progress deep in Grand Slam tournaments.

Nine Aussie men are placed inside the top-100, while emerging talents on the women's side are beginning to close the gap on their experienced compatriots.

In a new segment, The First Serve poses seven 'if' and 'then' scenarios from an Australian perspective ahead of the 2025 season.

IF Alex de Minaur reaches the semi-finals of a Grand Slam

THEN perhaps his ceiling is higher than some may have predicted

For all of de Minaur's doubters and critics, the things you can't criticise are his work ethic, commitment and never-say-die spirit when his back is against the wall.

Against all odds, the 25-year-old recovered from a nasty hip injury suffered at Wimbledon which sidelined him for the best part of two months, only to still reach the US Open quarters, qualify for his maiden ATP Finals event and finish the year ranked No.9.

This year was massive for de Minaur, who entered the top-10 for the first time, peaked at a career-high world No.6 and achieved three consecutive quarter-final appearances at a major.

Consistency, however, has never been an issue for de Minaur. What has been an issue for him, is the ability to break into the top-tier category with the very best in the world.

Two players in particular, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, fall in that bracket. For de Minaur, he is yet to defeat the pair, trailing the head-to-head 0-9 against Sinner and 0-2 over Alcaraz.

If the three-time Newcombe medalist is to take the next step in his career, then not only will he have to topple those players at some stage, but he must also better his current Grand Slam record of a quarter-final appearance.

Failure to do so in 2025 will result in the same doubters and critics arguing the point that de Minaur's ceiling has been reached.

IF Australia is to see a new Aussie female crack into the top-100

THEN there's a very likely chance that player will be Maya Joint

After Ash Barty's sudden retirement nearly three years ago, the obvious question was who would take over the throne and follow in her footsteps?

For a while, the gap between experienced heads such as Ajla Tomljanović and Daria Saville and the up-and-coming crop seemed too large, but that gap has slowly narrowed.

So much so, that a certain 18-year-old by the name of Maya Joint is the most likely Australian female to enter the top-100 for the first time.

Having shared the Young Female Athlete of the Year title with world No.1 junior Emerson Jones at the 2024 Newcombe Awards, Joint is reaping the rewards for a spectacular past 12 months.

The teenager qualified for her first Grand Slam main draw in New York, claiming her first win at a major which propelled her to a career-high No.110.

Joint has recently received wildcards for the Brisbane International and the Australian Open main draw, so watch this space.

IF Thanasi Kokkinakis can string together consistent results

THEN a maiden top-50 berth isn't out of the realms of possibility

For the abundance of talent that Kokkinakis possesses, it's a complete shock that his highest ranking is No.65 at age 28.

On the other hand, when you dig deeper, it isn't the biggest bombshell considering his devastating injury history.

Throughout his career so far, Kokkinakis has undergone surgeries on his shoulder, groin, pectoral, knee and elbow, as well as stress fractures when he was a junior.

In saying that, it makes it more impressive that the South Australian could play three consecutive five-set marathons at this year's French Open, knock off the 17th seed in five sets at Wimbledon and take down two-time Grand Slam finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas at the US Open.

Kokkinakis produced arguably the best performance of his career over Ben Shelton in last month's Davis Cup, proving that when his booming serve and forehand are on song, it can trouble the world's elite.

Although he's already a Grand Slam doubles champion — now in his late 20s — it could be one last roll of the dice for Kokkinakis to make one last push in the singles with consistent tournaments under his belt.

IF doubles are a successful long-standing tradition in Australian tennis

THEN that title will be cemented further in 2025

Whether it was Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde forming 'The Woodies', John Fitzgerald standing alone at the summit of the doubles rankings for 40 weeks or Matt Ebden and John Peers winning gold at the Paris Olympics — Australia's rich doubles history has always been something to cherish.

This year was another fantastic campaign on the doubles front, with Jordan Thompson and Max Purcell winning the US Open, Matt Ebden conquering the men's doubles at Melbourne Park and Ellen Perez qualifying for the WTA Finals.

The shock news regarding Purcell's doping ban will hang a cloud over his partnership with Thompson in 2024 depending on the outcome, but there are still plenty of Aussie hopefuls.

Ebden, the current Newcombe Medal winner, has formed a new partnership with 31-year-old Belgian Joran Vilegen after confirming his split with India's Rohan Bopanna.

Yet to win a women's doubles Grand Slam, Perez has turned to accomplished singles and doubles player Elise Mertens to get over that final hump.

Former doubles world No.1 Storm Hunter is closing in on a return to the professional circuit after suffering a serious ACL injury, disrupting a large portion of her recent campaign.

Also returning to the fold at the Australian Open is the highly anticipated 'Special K's' involving Kyrgios and Kokkinakis, who took Melbourne Park by storm almost three years ago en route to their maiden Slam title.

IF history is anything to go by

THEN Nick Kyrgios' comeback isn't going to be smooth sailing

Nick Kyrgios. He's back and ready to prove that he still has enough left in the tank to match it with the world's best.

Regardless of what happens results-wise, fans can be assured entertainment and an extra level of spice that the ATP Tour could use right now.

Two-time Grand Slam champion Pat Rafter was spot on when discussing Kyrgios' capabilities upon his return.

"If he gets to the quarters, the semis [of the Australian Open], it wouldn't surprise me," he said.

"He's got a massive game, but then can he keep it together? Can his body and mind hold together? They're probably his really big hurdles."

Forced to sit out of action for 18 months since his last competitive match at the Stuttgart Open in June 2023, it's unclear how his body will hold up.

Former US Open winner Dominic Thiem is the best example of being unable to rediscover his best form after undergoing wrist surgery before officially retiring in October.

We have seen the likes of Juan Martín Del Potro, Kei Nishikori and Milos Raonic struggle to get back to the top through constant injuries. Bianca Andreescu and Emma Raducanu, once touted as future world No.1's, can also be added to the list of examples.

IF Ajla Tomljanović's body doesn't hold up for the Australian Open

THEN who will fly the Aussie flag in the women's singles?

Speaking of cruel injuries, Ajla Tomljanović is no stranger to the treatment table in what has been nothing short of a frustrating past couple of years.

In what was supposed to act as the catalyst for bigger and better things after announcing herself to the world against Serena Williams at the 2022 US Open, the 31-year-old has featured in 25 tournaments since then.

Tomljanović's early injury during her match at the Billie Jean King Cup against Slovakia last month provided further evidence that unfortunately, her body can't be trusted.

So, which Aussie female is ready to step up to fly the flag if required?

At this stage, Olivia Gadecki is primed for a massive 2025 after achieving a career-high ranking of No.83 and reaching her first WTA 500 final in Guadalajara.

Her efforts have warranted call-ups to the Billie Jean King Cup and United Cup squads, showing tremendous growth at the age of only 22.

Although we still need to see consistent performances from her, Gadecki has the weapons along with the confidence to become a reliable force.

IF Li Tu was the unlikely Australian hero story in 2024

THEN which Aussie is next to spring a surprise?

Stories such as Li Tu's serve as valuable reminders that everyone's tennis journey is unique and different in its own right.

The 28-year-old accomplished a career-high No.178 last month — partly thanks to earning his first Grand Slam main draw entry at the US Open without a wildcard.

After securing his place in the main draw, Tu spoke exclusively to The First Serve about his "emotional rollercoaster" which saw him come out of retirement.

In the same event, he took a set off four-time major winner Carlos Alcaraz in the biggest tennis stadium on earth — Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Omar Jasika, 27, is also a worthwhile mention, having claimed five consecutive ITF titles in the space of 43 days to earn himself a career-high ranking of No.179 last week.

After becoming the first player in 28 years to win both the US Open Boys' singles and doubles crowns in 2014, Jasika tested positive for cocaine seven years ago.

Now, he's putting in the hard yards to resurrect his career.

Who will emerge with their own inspiring story in 2025?