The 2026 Australian Open is set to deliver electrifying tennis action as it opens the Grand Slam season. Taking place in Melbourne from January 12 to February 1, 2026, the tournament at Melbourne Park will feature the world’s best players. Both the men's and women's singles draws will be stacked with talent and offer exciting matches, rivalries, and history-making moments. Here, we’ll examine the leading contenders for the 2026 title, from legendary champions like Novak Djokovic to modern greats such as Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
Men's Singles: Top Contenders for the Australian Open 2026
The men's field at this year's Australian Open is stronger than ever, with established champions and young stars. Here are just some of the top players to watch in Melbourne this year who can win the tournament.
Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner is the two-time defending Australian Open champion, and the Italian has proven that he's worthy of ranking among the best in tennis. His back-to-back Australian Open titles make him a clear top contender, but his consistency throughout the year has kept him near the top of the ATP rankings. His performances make him a strong favourite to defend his Australian Open title in 2026. Aspiring players often search for tennis coaching near me to refine their skills and technique.
Carlos Alcaraz
His explosive style and fearless approach have made him a multiple Grand Slam winner, with major titles across different surfaces. Although Alcaraz has not progressed beyond the quarterfinals at the Australian Open so far, his rivalry with Djokovic continues to fuel anticipation for a future Melbourne showdown. Alcaraz isn't the only potential headliner, though. With the AO Live musical festival taking place over the final weekend, those who love tennis and music won't be disappointed.
Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic and the Australian Open go hand-in-hand. The Serbian tennis legend has won an incredible 10 titles at this Grand Slam and is the tournament's most successful player. Though Djokovic is one of the older players, he's still incredibly fit and mentally tough and remains capable of deep runs in Melbourne, as he has shown throughout his career. He remains one of the most dangerous contenders thanks to precise groundstrokes, powerful services, and unmatched skills.
Daniil Medvedev
With relentless baseline play and strategic intelligence, Daniil Medvedev has come close to winning the Australian Open twice, in both 2021 and 2022. He's a threat in any Grand Slam as he can outlast opponents in longer matches, making him capable of claiming the title in 2026.
Stefanos Tsitsipas
The Greek player Tsitsipas has performed well at the Australian Open in Melbourne, reaching the final in 2023 and consistently advancing to the later stages. With a powerful serve, one-handed backhand, and aggressive net play, he's a popular player to watch. However, a Grand Slam title still eludes him. In 2026, he'll be looking for stronger Grand Slam performances.
Who will win the Men's Singles at the Australian Open?
Women’s Singles: Top Contenders for the Australian Open 2026
The women's field for the 2026 Australian title also features elite talent and fierce competition.
Aryna Sabalenka
A two-time Australian Open champion (2023, 2024), Sabalenka remains one of the most dangerous players on hard courts and will be aiming to reclaim the title after a runner-up finish in 2025. Raw power, an aggressive baseline game, and mental resilience make her a dominant force on hard courts, particularly at Melbourne Park.
Iga Świątek
Precise and relentlessly consistent, Iga Świątek is always a formidable contender. She's won multiple Grand Slams, and though clay courts seem to be her favourite, she's shown improvements on hard courts. Though her best result at the Australian Open remains a semifinal appearance in 2022, her ability to control rallies, move seamlessly across the court, and stay composed under pressure makes her a genuine threat for the 2026 title.
Elena Rybakina
With a calm demeanour and lethal serve, Elena Rybakina has proven that she can compete at the highest level. She was the runner-up in the 2023 Australian Open and is always a dangerous opponent with flat, powerful groundstrokes and a composed mental game. If she stays fit, she's in with a shout of winning the trophy in 2026.
Coco Gauff
This young tennis star is maturing into one of the most exciting young players in the sport. After winning her first Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open, she improved her game and confidence. She's athletic, with powerful groundstrokes and an improved serve. She's a strong contender for the 2026 Australian Open. She can thrive under pressure and perform on the big stage, which could make her an outside favourite to win the tournament and claim her first Australian Open title.
Naomi Osaka
A two-time Australian Open champion, Naomi Osaka, is back after a break from the tour. She combines power, precision, and experience, making her an intriguing contender, though she enters the tournament behind the leading favourites. However, to do this, she'll need to find her rhythm and a return to form reminiscent of early glories.
Zheng Qinwen
Zheng Qinwen is definitely one to watch at the Australian Open 2026. Her big serve and attacking style make her a real threat, especially on hard courts. She had an incredible run to the final in 2024, her best result so far. With her confidence at an all-time high, she’s in great shape to push for the title in Melbourne this year.
Who will win the Women's Singles at the Australian Open?
Key Storylines to Watch
The 2026 Australian Open will likely be a tournament of gripping narratives, rivalries, and history-making moments, which is why you should get tickets for the Australian Open if you can. While you can simply watch great tennis, it's always more enjoyable to contextualise each match with what's happening around the tennis. This is what makes it so great, after all.
Can Novak Djokovic Extend His Dominance?
Djokovic has been a dominant force at Melbourne Park for over a decade. With 10 titles at the Australian Open, he remains one of the most dangerous contenders in the draw. At 38, Djokovic’s experience, fitness, and mental resilience still make him a serious threat, even as younger rivals continue to challenge his dominance. Will Djokovic remain the king of the Australian Open, or will the newer generation of players stop him from extending his win record? Watching or attending the Australian Open is the only way to find out, and be sure to check the dates of the tournament for when the best matches are likely to take place.
Will Jannik Sinner Continue His Rise to the Top?
With Australian Open titles in 2024 and 2025, many expect Jannik Sinner to start 2026 in a similar vein. He's shown he can compete with the best, and his consistent performances have made him World No. 1 in tennis. Can Jannik Sinner become one of the few men in history to win three consecutive Australian Open titles? Check out the final between Sinner and Zverev from last year's tournament.
The Next Chapter in the Carlos Alcaraz vs. Novak Djokovic Rivalry
Tennis fans worldwide are loving the rivalry between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic and no doubt talk about it regularly during their tennis lessons. Alcaraz brings explosive athleticism and aggressive play and is the future of the sport. However, Djokovic never gives up. The matches between them so far have been incredible. A clash of generations, this is the matchup everybody wants to see in the finals. Will Alcaraz be able to beat Djokovic in a major Grand Slam on hard courts?
Can Aryna Sabalenka Win Back the Australian Open Title?
Sabalenka is looking to return to the Australian Open champion ranks after a runner-up finish in 2025. If she clinches the 2026 title, her status as one of the most dominant players on the WTA Tour will be firmly cemented. Check out the highlights from last year's final.
Naomi Osaka’s Return to Grand Slam Competition
After taking time away from the sport, Naomi Osaka's return is highly anticipated as one of the greats and a two-time Australian Open champion. Can she recapture the form she showed in previous competitions?
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