Roger Federer has lavished praise on the dominant rivalry between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, as the Swiss maestro made a nostalgic return to Melbourne Park for the first time since his 2022 retirement.
Federer's Ceremonial Comeback and Verdict
The six-time Australian Open champion, last in Australia in 2020, headlined the tournament's inaugural opening ceremony. He participated in a special exhibition doubles match alongside fellow legends Andre Agassi, Patrick Rafter, and Lleyton Hewitt.
Speaking about the current state of the men's game, Federer was effusive about the top two players. "The rivalry with Alcaraz and Sinner is a great one," Federer stated. "They play incredible tennis. I think that French Open final was unreal."
He emphasised the quality they have brought to the sport, adding, "I think the game, not that it needed it, but it was great that we had it." Federer also noted their consistency in meeting in major finals and their efforts to pull away from the chasing pack. "What we’ve seen in terms of their progression in the last years, it’s been wonderful," he said.
Having practised with both, Federer called them "incredible ball strikers" with more potential to unlock, before expressing a hope they remain free from injury.
The 2026 Draw: Paths to History
The draw for the 2026 Australian Open, conducted on Thursday, sets the stage for a fascinating fortnight. The central question is whether any challenger can disrupt the anticipated supremacy of Alcaraz and Sinner.
World number one Carlos Alcaraz will begin his campaign against local hope Adam Walton. Alcaraz arrives with a historic opportunity: at just 22 years old, he can become the youngest man ever to complete the career Grand Slam. Despite having won Wimbledon and the US Open twice each, and the French Open once, his best result in Melbourne remains a quarter-final.
Defending champion and second seed Jannik Sinner opens against France's Hugo Gaston as he aims for a third consecutive Australian Open title. The Italian's path, however, could feature a monumental semi-final clash.
Lurking in Sinner's half of the draw is the fourth seed, Novak Djokovic. The ten-time champion, who faces Spain's Pedro Martínez in round one, will be aiming for another deep run in his 22nd Grand Slam season.
High Stakes in the Women's Draw
The women's tournament carries equally compelling narratives. World number two Iga Swiatek also has the chance to complete a career Grand Slam. The Pole, a semi-finalist in 2022, needs the Australian Open title to add to her four French Opens, one Wimbledon, and one US Open. She starts against a qualifier but faces a brutally tough projected path, potentially meeting former champion Naomi Osaka, fifth seed Elena Rybakina, and fourth seed Amanda Anisimova in succession.
At the top of the draw, world number one Aryna Sabalenka seeks a third Australian Open crown. The Belarusian, who won her 22nd WTA title in Brisbane last week, begins her quest against France's Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah. Sabalenka has reached the final in Melbourne for the last three years, winning twice.
As the action prepares to commence, all eyes will be on whether the established hierarchies hold firm or if new challengers can emerge to end the era of Alcaraz and Sinner's dominance.
