The 2026 Australian Open is rapidly approaching, with Melbourne Park once again playing host to the hard-court Grand Slam.
On the ATP Tour, world number two Jannik Sinner will enter the Australian Open as the two-time defending champion.
Sinner beat Daniil Medvedev in the 2024 final for his maiden Grand Slam success, and successfully defended his crown earlier this year against Alexander Zverev.
But he’s finished second in the 2025 year-end ATP rankings, behind his fierce rival Carlos Alcaraz in world number one.
Greg Rusedski backs Ben Shelton to shine at the 2026 Australian Open
Alcaraz has, however, failed to make it beyond the quarterfinals of the Australian Open in his stunning career so far.
Former British number one Greg Rusedski has now previewed the men’s side of the Grand Slam, saying on Off Court with Greg: “The wildcard I like is Ben Shelton.
“What has he done in the offseason? Has he improved that backhand? Has he improved his court positioning? His dad (Bryan Shelton) won two ATP Tour titles. He has a lot of knowledge.
“Can he correct those little holes in his game because he has a lot of tools. He has broken into the top eight this year.”
Rusedski added: “[Alex] de Minaur really impressed me at the UTS. His movement was exceptional. His pace on his serve and the forehand was getting up there, it’s getting up there, no question about it. He is a nightmare for anybody to play. If you are fractionally off, you are going to be in trouble.”
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Why Ben Shelton and Alex de Minaur should be confident ahead of the Australian Open
Shelton certainly has the potential to do damage at the Australian Open, having reached the semifinal in Melbourne in 2025.
The American was eventually knocked out by eventual champion Sinner, who won their clash 7-6(7-2), 6-2, 6-2.
And just before that, the Italian superstar defeated home favorite De Minaur 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 at the quarterfinal stage.
He also has a fine chance of a strong run on home soil next month, with De Minaur set to receive plenty of backing from the Australian Open fans.
What does Alex de Minaur need to change to challenge Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner?
Both Shelton and De Minaur should be confident going into the tournament, having each claimed a title on the ATP Tour in 2025.
Shelton will still be on a high after his ATP Masters 1000 Canada success, while De Minaur just won the UTS London Grand Final, having triumphed in Washington earlier this season.
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