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Australian Open 2026: The stage is set
The first Grand Slam of the year begins Sunday in Melbourne, with Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz emerging as the top contenders in men's singles. Novak Djokovic, chasing a record 25th major title, remains a formidable threat despite turning 38 this year.
The dominance of Sinner and Alcaraz
The past eight Grand Slam trophies have been split between Italy's Jannik Sinner and Spain's Carlos Alcaraz, who have established themselves as the ATP Tour's standout performers. Sinner, a two-time defending champion in Melbourne, thrives on the tournament's medium-fast hard courts, where his precision and consistency give him an edge.
Alcaraz, meanwhile, has yet to advance beyond the quarterfinals in Australia, a surface he admits has not been his strongest. However, the 22-year-old Spaniard believes his struggles stem from early-season rust rather than an inability to adapt. If he finds his rhythm quickly-particularly as he begins a new chapter without longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero-he could become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam.
"In 2026, I would rather win my first Australian Open than defend my French Open and US Open titles," Alcaraz said at the end of last season.
Swiatek and Sabalenka headline women's race
On the women's side, Poland's Iga Świątek and Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka are the players to watch. Świątek, a six-time major winner, is the only Slam away from completing a career Grand Slam. Despite her dominance, she downplays the pressure, focusing instead on daily improvements.
"Obviously, it would be a dream come true. But this isn't my clear goal that I wake up with. I'm thinking more about how I want to play," Świątek said.
Sabalenka, the world No. 1 and two-time Melbourne champion, enters the tournament as the favorite after winning the Brisbane warm-up event. However, she remains cautious, emphasizing the unpredictability of tennis.
"It's tennis-that's why it's so beautiful. You cannot predict anything," Sabalenka said.
Djokovic's pursuit of history
Novak Djokovic, a 10-time Australian Open champion, is chasing Margaret Court's all-time record of 24 Grand Slam titles. At 38, he remains a formidable force, reaching the semifinals of all four majors last year. While Father Time may be catching up, his technical mastery and mental resilience keep him in contention.
"Predicting what Djokovic might achieve this year is difficult. It would also be foolish to write him off," the article notes.
British hopes and tournament dynamics
Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, heads a contingent of seven British players in the singles draws. After regaining her place in the world's top 30, she faces a tough third-round matchup against Sabalenka. Fellow Britons Cameron Norrie, Jacob Fearnley, Francesca Jones, Sonay Kartal, Katie Boulter, and qualifier Arthur Fery will also compete.
The Australian Open, dubbed the 'Happy Slam,' is known for its vibrant atmosphere, premium entertainment, and player-friendly facilities. However, concerns persist over revenue distribution and player welfare, particularly regarding extreme heat and late-night matches.
A record £55 million prize pool is on offer this year, though some players have expressed disappointment over the organizers' revenue-sharing model.
What to watch
The tournament runs from January 18 to February 1 at Melbourne Park, with live coverage available on BBC Radio 5 Live Sport and the BBC Sport website.
