It comes around quickly every year.
After an off-season many players believe is too short, the Australian Open 2026 is set to get under way in Melbourne, launching another Grand Slam season filled with intrigue, rivalries, and record-breaking potential.
From the dominance of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, to Iga Swiatek’s quest for a career Grand Slam, the return of Emma Raducanu, and the enduring presence of Novak Djokovic, the first major of the year offers no shortage of compelling storylines.
As play begins at Melbourne Park on Sunday, here are the key questions and narratives to follow at this year’s Australian Open.
Can Anyone Stop ‘Sincaraz’ at the Australian Open?
The defining question of men’s tennis right now is simple: can anyone break the stranglehold of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz?
The pair have won the last eight Grand Slam titles between them, establishing themselves not just as the top two players on the ATP Tour, but as competitors operating in a tier of their own.
Sinner Chasing a Historic Melbourne Three-Peat
World number two Jannik Sinner arrives in Melbourne aiming to win the Australian Open for a third consecutive year, a feat that would further underline his dominance on hard courts.
The Italian’s metronomic baseline game, relentless consistency, and physical resilience make him perfectly suited to Melbourne’s medium-fast surface. His ability to control rallies and absorb pressure has turned Rod Laver Arena into a near fortress.
Can Alcaraz Finally Crack Melbourne?
By contrast, Carlos Alcaraz has yet to fully unlock his best tennis at the Australian Open, never advancing beyond the quarter-finals.
However, that statistic reflects early-season rhythm rather than any limitation in adaptability. The Spaniard’s explosive athleticism, creativity, and shot-making give him all the tools required to succeed in Melbourne.
Now 22 years old and starting a new chapter without long-time coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, Alcaraz has extra motivation. Victory would make him the youngest man in history to complete the career Grand Slam.
Alcaraz has been clear about his priorities, stating that winning his first Australian Open would outweigh defending other major titles.
Can Iga Swiatek Complete the Career Grand Slam?
The Australian Open is also the missing piece for Iga Swiatek, who enters Melbourne with six Grand Slam titles but without success at the year’s opening major.
After a surprise Wimbledon triumph last season, Swiatek has already secured her place among the modern greats. Completing the career Slam would elevate her into an even rarer category.
Early Warning Signs for Swiatek
Recent defeats to Coco Gauff and Belinda Bencic at the United Cup suggest Swiatek still has adjustments to make, particularly on faster surfaces early in the season.
The Polish star admits she is aware of the career Slam narrative but insists her focus remains process-driven.
“I’m thinking more about how I want to play and what I want to improve day by day,” Swiatek said.
Sabalenka the Player to Beat
While Swiatek and Gauff form part of a dominant trio, Aryna Sabalenka enters the tournament as the pre-tournament favourite.
The two-time Australian Open champion warmed up by winning the Brisbane International, showcasing the power and aggression that has made her so effective on Melbourne’s courts.
Despite that momentum, Sabalenka is taking nothing for granted.
“You cannot predict anything in tennis,” she said. “Every day you have to prove your level.”
How Far Can Emma Raducanu Go in Melbourne?
Few players arrive under as much scrutiny as Emma Raducanu.
Now five seasons removed from her remarkable US Open triumph as a teenager, the 23-year-old faces renewed pressure to establish herself consistently among the elite of the WTA Tour.
Encouraging Signs — But a Tough Draw
Raducanu’s return to the top 30 has earned her a seeding at the Australian Open, a significant milestone after injury setbacks and form fluctuations.
However, the draw has handed her a potentially daunting third-round meeting with Aryna Sabalenka, which would represent a major early test of her progress.
Raducanu leads a contingent of seven British players in the singles draws, following Jack Draper’s withdrawal through injury.
Can Novak Djokovic Defy Time Once Again?
Few players are as synonymous with the Australian Open as Novak Djokovic.
The 38-year-old has lifted the trophy 10 times in Melbourne, winning nearly half of his 24 Grand Slam titles on Rod Laver Arena. Victory this year would see him claim a record-breaking 25th major, moving clear of Margaret Court.
Age vs Experience
There is no escaping the reality that Djokovic has struggled physically against Sinner and Alcaraz over five sets in recent seasons. However, his technical excellence, mental resilience, and tactical intelligence still make him the most dangerous opponent in the draw.
Last season, Djokovic reached the semi-finals of all four Grand Slams, a level of consistency few players half his age could match.
Writing him off would be a mistake.
Will the Australian Open Remain the ‘Happy Slam’?
The Australian Open has long branded itself as the “Happy Slam”, with Melbourne’s summer atmosphere playing a major role.
Sunshine, music stages, celebrity DJs, premium food and drink, and a festival-like environment have helped the tournament stand apart from the other Grand Slams.
Tournament director Craig Tiley continues to push the event closer to Wimbledon, Roland Garros, and the US Open in terms of prestige and commercial appeal.
Player Welfare Still a Concern
Despite record prize money of £55 million, concerns remain among players about revenue distribution, extreme heat, and late-night finishes — issues that have historically affected the Australian Open.
With player welfare under increasing scrutiny, those challenges may once again surface during the fortnight.
Australian Open 2026: What’s at Stake
- Dates: 18 January – 1 February
- Location: Melbourne Park
- Surface: Hard court
- Defending Champions: Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka
With generational rivalries, historic records, and career-defining moments on the line, the Australian Open once again promises to set the tone for the tennis season ahead.
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