Top players head to Australian Open 2026 as Sinner seeks third straight title

Goal reports that the Australian Open 2026 will bring a star-studded field to Melbourne, with qualifying from Monday, January 12 to Thursday, January 15 and the 128-player main draws running from Sunday, January 18 through to Sunday, February 1. On the men's side Jannik Sinner arrives as the two-time defending champion (winner in 2024 and 2025) and is aiming to become only the second man after Novak Djokovic to win three straight titles down under; the article lists Sinner with four Grand Slam titles.

Other leading contenders named include Carlos Alcaraz (six Grand Slam titles, Australian Open best: quarter-finalist 2024 & 2025), Novak Djokovic (24 Grand Slam titles and multiple Australian Open wins but without a major since 2023; the piece notes concerns about his lack of warm-up matches), Alexander Zverev (runner-up in 2025) and Daniil Medvedev (one Grand Slam title, past Australian Open runner-up).

The women’s draw highlights Aryna Sabalenka, who won in 2023 and 2024 and was denied a third straight title by Madison Keys in the 2025 final, and reigning champion Madison Keys, who returns to defend her crown. Other names featured are Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina, Amanda Anisimova and more, with the article listing each player’s recent Grand Slam form and best Australian Open performances.

Key Topics

Sports, Australian Open, Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka