The first Grand Slam of the year is just around the corner, and on the men’s side, there are really only two contenders.
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, ranked first and second in the world respectively, are the heavy favourites to go all the way at the Australian Open this year.
Sinner is looking to three-peat in Melbourne, having held the trophy aloft in both 2024 and 2025.
Alcaraz, on the other hand, will bid to become the youngest player ever to achieve the Career Grand Slam, as the Australian Open title is the only major he is yet to get his hands on.
Why do you think Carlos Alcaraz has struggled at the Australian Open in the past?
2021 Australian Open – 1R
2022 Australian Open – 3R
2024 Australian Open – QF
2025 Australian Open – QF
The Italian is perhaps the stronger hard-court player, but tennis legend Rod Laver thinks his Spanish rival may just come out on top in 2026, should the conditions suit him.
Rod Laver predicts Carlos Alcaraz to win the Australian Open
As per the Laver Cup website, when asked who he thinks will win the tournament, the 11-time major champion said: “It’s extremely difficult to predict, which is a great situation for tennis to be in.
“So many players could take it. Of course, Sinner and Alcaraz are top of the list as their rivalry grows.
“Sinner continues to strengthen his game, and is the two-time defending champion, but if the conditions are hot, I’d say Carlos has an edge, and his desire to win is going to be higher than ever because he hasn’t won it before.
“And I’d never rule out Novak Djokovic, he loves the conditions Down Under.”
Who is your dark horse for the 2026 Australian Open?
Novak Djokovic will also be chasing history at the Australian Open, as he seeks a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.
The Serb is currently tied with Margaret Court for the most singles major crowns of any man or woman in tennis history.
Who Carlos Alcaraz can match if he wins the Australian Open
Alcaraz is only 22 years old and has already claimed six Grand Slam titles, which is more than the likes of Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka.
With his US Open triumph last year, he equalled the major tallies of Boris Becker and Stefan Edberg.
Should he win the 2026 Australian Open, Alcaraz will equal a number of legends, including John McEnroe and Mats Wilander.
If Alcaraz were to achieve the Calendar Grand Slam this year, he would have 10 majors to his name; more than Andre Agassi, Ivan Lendl, and Jimmy Connors.
For Sinner, a third consecutive Australian Open title would mark his fifth Grand Slam.
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