The Tennis Gazette writers have made seven predictions for the 2026 Australian Open.
The first Grand Slam of the season is here, and as always, it is almost impossible to predict what will happen.
There are so many interesting storylines, from Novak Djokovic chasing his 25th slam to the rivalry between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Here are our predictions for the Australian Open, including the winners, dark horses, and the biggest disappointments.
The Australian Open is the best Grand Slam… discuss!
Australian Open 2026 predictions
Men’s singles winner
Matthew Johns: It feels very predictable, but Jannik Sinner has to be my pick to win another Australian Open for a third consecutive year. Sinner is just so dominant on hard courts, and it currently feels as though there is a lot more certainty surrounding him than Carlos Alcaraz, who has been involved in coaching drama over the off-season and has relatively struggled at the Australian Open in previous years.
Callum Davies: Carlos Alcaraz, to complete the career Grand Slam! Another classic with Jannik Sinner in the final is guaranteed.
Peter Lynch: Unfortunately, it’s so hard to look past Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz here, and this time I think the Italian will be the one to take the latest bragging rights in their thrilling rivalry.
Women’s singles winner
Matthew Johns: The women’s singles draw is a more difficult decision, but I am going to go with Elena Rybakina. Rybakina finished the 2025 season in impressive form and has reached the final of the Australian Open before. I certainly wouldn’t be surprised if Aryna Sabalenka takes the title, but it is probably about time that Rybakina adds to her Wimbledon victory from 2022.
Callum Davies: Aryna Sabalenka. Nobody comes close to her, in my opinion, and she’s started 2026 on fire. She’ll reclaim her crown at a canter.
Peter Lynch: Again, Aryna Sabalenka is the easy name to pick out, but I think she’ll get a shock from Elena Rybakina, who has what it takes to lift the trophy.
How far will Novak Djokovic go?
Matthew Johns: Novak Djokovic reached four Grand Slam semifinals last year, and while this was not up to his usual standards, it is still a hugely impressive feat for a 38-year-old to achieve. After seeing his draw for the Australian Open this year, I am expecting him to do the same again in Melbourne, before losing to Jannik Sinner in the semifinals. However, this will all depend on his fitness, with some concerns for Djokovic ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year.
Callum Davies: Were it not for his injury worries, I’d be confident of another semi-final for Novak Djokovic. However, given his issues, I think he could be upset as early as the fourth round by someone unlikely, like an in-form Hubert Hurkacz.
Peter Lynch: He’s not getting any younger but is still a real threat, particularly in Australia. I think he’ll reach the semis.
How far will Coco Gauff go?
Matthew Johns: Coco Gauff has become an incredibly difficult player to predict, as you just never know what her game is going to be like on any given day. Gauff’s draw certainly presents some challenges for her, but I am going to back the world number three to reach the semifinals in Melbourne.
Callum Davies: Coco Gauff has a tricky Australian Open draw and has started 2026 in a typically unpredictable fashion. She is the kind of player who could win the whole thing despite being in poor form or lose early when tipped for the title. I’m backing her to enjoy a deep run, though, at least to the quarter-finals.
Peter Lynch: Gauff is under huge pressure to perform as ever, and I can see her enjoying a lengthy run before a semifinal exit.
Who is your dark horse for the 2026 Australian Open?
Dark horses
Matthew Johns: It is hardly a bold pick, but Belinda Bencic is my dark horse for the Australian Open title. Bencic was so impressive at the United Cup and will be very difficult to stop if she continues this form in Melbourne. In the men’s draw, while I do not think he will win the title, Hubert Hurkacz could play havoc this year as an unseeded player.
Callum Davies: Stan Wawrinka, playing in his last Australian Open, cannot be discounted, particularly after his performances to start the season. He has proven he can still compete with the very best on tour, so watch out for him to cause an upset or two.
Peter Lynch: It’s a very tall order, but how about one last dance for legendary figure Stan Wawrinka? I’m all for it!
Biggest disappointments
Matthew Johns: The name that sticks out to me in this category is Taylor Fritz. Fritz is clearly not physically right, and he has already lost three of his first four matches to start the 2026 season. I would not be surprised to see Fritz exit the Australian Open before the second week. I also think Madison Keys may struggle with the pressure of being the defending champion.
Callum Davies: Alexander Zverev. Although he did reach the final last year, I think he’s regressed since then, and could suffer a surprise early exit and lose plenty of ranking points.
Peter Lynch: Madison Keys won the title in 2025, but she might be heading for the opposite fate this time around.
Top American players
Matthew Johns: I think this will be Coco Gauff, closely followed by Amanda Anisimova. Anisimova is predicted by many to win her first Grand Slam this year, but she has never surpassed the fourth round of the Australian Open before. In terms of the men’s singles draw, I am going to back Ben Shelton as the top American and reach the quarterfinals.
Callum Davies: I would have backed Taylor Fritz to go the furthest out of all the Americans, but with his knee problems, I’d probably now lean towards someone like Coco Gauff, or even Ben Shelton.
Peter Lynch: The likes of Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton should be desperate to go far, but I think Gauff will outshine her counterparts.
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