The 2026 Australian Open promises to be a thrilling affair, with rising star Carlos Alcaraz seeking to conquer the last Grand Slam title that has eluded him, while the women’s draw is wide open with a host of contenders vying for the trophy.
Alcaraz, the world number one, stunned the tennis world last year by parting ways with his long-time coach Juan Carlos Ferrero immediately after his most successful season to date. The 22-year-old Spaniard has remained tight-lipped on the reasons behind the split, simply stating that it was a mutual decision and that he has the same team in place, save for one member.
This new chapter in Alcaraz’s career begins with him chasing history, as he aims to become the youngest player to complete the career Grand Slam. He has already won the other three major titles on multiple occasions, but the Australian Open has proven to be his Achilles’ heel, with two quarter-final appearances being his best results so far.
The absence of Ferrero, a former champion and the perfect foil to Alcaraz’s prodigious natural talents, will be closely scrutinised. The young Spaniard will have to demonstrate his maturity and ability to take full control of his own path, without the guiding hand of his former mentor.
Alcaraz’s great rival, Jannik Sinner, will also be chasing history in Melbourne. The Italian has won the Australian Open for the past two years and will be aiming for a third consecutive title, cementing his status as one of the dominant forces in men’s tennis.
While the men’s draw appears to be a two-horse race, the women’s field is wide open and brimming with potential champions. Amanda Anisimova, who reached two Grand Slam finals in 2025, has soared to a career-high ranking of world number three and is now considered one of the most devastating shot-makers in the game.
Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old American, has shown her ability to outmanoeuvre the best players, as evidenced by her French Open triumph last year. Elena Rybakina, the powerful Kazakh, is also a contender, having won the WTA Finals in spectacular fashion at the end of 2025.
Reigning Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek will be aiming to complete her career Grand Slam by winning the Australian Open, while Aryna Sabalenka, the three-time Melbourne finalist, will be the favourite to claim her third title in the city.
With a stacked field of challengers solidifying their positions at the top of the sport, the next two weeks in Melbourne will be a true test of Alcaraz’s and Sabalenka’s ability to hold off the rising tide of talent and cement their status as the dominant forces in men’s and women’s tennis, respectively.
