The first Grand Slam of the 2026 tennis season is set to commence on Saturday night in Melbourne, with defending champions Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys aiming to retain their hard-earned titles. The tournament promises high drama, with the world's top players converging on Rod Laver Arena after a short off-season, making this one of the most unpredictable majors of the year.
Men's Singles Preview: Alcaraz Eyes Career Slam
Despite being just 22 years old, Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz has already captured three of the four Grand Slam titles. The Australian Open remains the elusive jewel in his crown. Seeded number one and arriving as the reigning French and US Open champion, Alcaraz is determined to overcome his previous quarter-final exits in Melbourne. His campaign begins against Australian Adam Walton, and a strong start could propel him deep into the draw.
Alcaraz's path is clear of Novak Djokovic, with the legendary Serb drawn in the same half as defending champion Jannik Sinner. The tennis world is anticipating a final showdown between the top two ranked players, with bookmakers installing Sinner as a 2/5 favourite to reach the final, while Alcaraz is priced at a best price of 5/9. Our first key prediction sees value in backing the Spaniard to make history.
Prediction 1: Carlos Alcaraz to win the title - 7/4 (Ladbrokes)
The third quarter of the men's draw presents a fascinating opportunity. While Novak Djokovic, making his 21st Australian Open appearance, is a perennial threat, fitness concerns cast a shadow over his campaign. The 38-year-old withdrew from the Adelaide Open and curtailed a practice session in Melbourne due to a neck issue, leaving him undercooked for his opener against Pedro Martinez.
This could open the door for American ninth seed Taylor Fritz. A quarter-finalist here in 2024, Fritz possesses a formidable serve that carried him to the Wimbledon semi-finals and US Open quarter-finals last year. With a manageable first-round match against France's Valentin Royer, Fritz is a compelling pick to emerge from this section.
Prediction 2: Taylor Fritz to win the third quarter - 6/1 (Betfred)
Women's Singles Preview: Sabalenka Primed for Dominance
In the women's draw, world number one Aryna Sabalenka stands as the overwhelming favourite. The powerful Belarusian has been in imperious form, successfully defending her Brisbane International title in the opening weeks of the season, a run that included a victory over reigning Melbourne champion Madison Keys.
Sabalenka has reached the final in Melbourne for the last three consecutive years. With her confidence sky-high and her game perfectly suited to the hard courts, it is difficult to identify a player capable of halting her charge towards a fifth Grand Slam title.
Prediction 3: Aryna Sabalenka to win the title - 2/1 (SpreadEx)
One of the most intriguing storylines involves Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva. At just 18 years of age, she is already ranked eighth in the world and reached two Grand Slam quarter-finals in 2025. She arrives with solid form from Brisbane and, despite a tough first-round clash against experienced campaigner Donna Vekic, has the talent for a deep run. If she navigates the early rounds, her belief will soar, making her an enticing each-way prospect.
Prediction 4: Mirra Andreeva to reach the final - 11/1 (Betfred)
The draw also offers a potential third-round blockbuster, where Sabalenka could face Britain's Emma Raducanu, provided the 23-year-old navigates her opening matches against Thailand's Mananchaya Sawangkaew and then either Anastasia Potapova or Suzan Lamens.
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