The Australian Open has almost arrived, with Melbourne Park playing host to the Grand Slam later this month.
The top ATP and WTA stars will be starting their 2026 Grand Slam seasons with the hard-court event, which starts on January 18.
Jannik Sinner is the two-time defending champion on the ATP Tour, while Madison Keys will be out to defend her title on the WTA Tour.
She beat Aryna Sabalenka in last year’s Australian Open final, with the Belarusian having clinched the title in the two years prior.
Who is your dark horse for the 2026 Australian Open?
Qinwen Zheng withdraws from 2026 Australian Open
After beating Elena Rybakina in the 2023 final, Sabalenka won the 2024 final against Qinwen Zheng, who has now just confirmed her withdrawal from this year’s tournament.
Zheng posted on her Instagram story: “Hi everyone. After careful evaluation by my team and following medical advice, unfortunately, I will be withdrawing from the 2026 Australian Open.
“Making this decision has been incredibly difficult for me. Melbourne is my ‘lucky place’, where I won my first Grand Slam main draw match and where I had my best experience.
“I have a special connection to this place, and I was very eager to start my new season at Melbourne Park.
“Although my recovery is progressing well and my offseason has gone smoothly, to play a Grand Slam requires players to maintain an extreme competitive condition. Currently, I have not yet reached my best condition that I have set for myself.
“I can’t thank everyone enough for their continued support, and am very much looking forward to being 100% back on the court and having a strong 2026 season return.”
Who will be the biggest disappointment at the 2026 Australian Open?
What is Qinwen Zheng’s Grand Slam record?
As Zheng mentioned, her Grand Slam career started at the Australian Open, when she reached the second round in 2022.
It also represents her most successful Grand Slam, with the WTA ace failing to make it beyond the quarterfinals elsewhere.
She has reached that stage at both the French Open and the US Open, with a third round finish representing her best run at Wimbledon.
The 23-year-old is currently ranked 24th on the WTA Tour, and boasts five titles from her superb career so far, including Olympic gold in 2024.
But Zheng played just 32 matches in an injury-hit 2025 season, having required surgery on an elbow issue.
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