Venus & Fernandez Form New Doubles, Mboko Joins Jovic at Australian Open
The Australian Open 2026 is set to thrill tennis fans, not just with singles matches, but also with exciting doubles competitions. This year’s tournament promises surprising partnerships and strong contenders on the court.
Venus Williams and Ekaterina Alexandrova Team Up
One of the most notable pairings in the women’s doubles is the combination of former World No. 1 Venus Williams and Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova. This duo brings together experience and skill as they strive for success in the tournament.
Notable Wildcard Entries
Williams was granted a wildcard into the doubles draw, highlighting her ongoing relevance in the sport. Alexandrova, currently ranked 11th in singles and 48th in doubles, will be a vital asset in their campaign, starting against Emiliana Arango and Elsa Jacquemot.
Other Exciting Partnerships
- Leylah Fernandez and Timea Babos: This team marks an intriguing collaboration. Babos, a four-time Grand Slam doubles champion, adds depth to the pairing.
- Daria Kasatkina and Arina Rodionova: Kasatkina, Australia’s No. 2 female player, pairs with local favorite Rodionova, enhancing their chances in front of a supportive crowd.
- Jessica Pegula and McCartney Kessler: This American duo faces a challenging match against the seeded pair Gabriela Dabrowski and Luisa Stefani.
Top Seeds and Favorites
The tournament sees strong favorites like Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend, who hold the top seed after clinching the Wimbledon 2025 title. They are closely followed by second seeds Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani, both respected on the doubles scene.
Notable Absences
Mirra Andreeva will not participate in the doubles section this year, focusing solely on singles. Previously, Andreeva teamed with Diana Shnaider in all major tournaments of 2025.
Other Noteworthy Competitors
Anticipation surrounds the participation of other singles stars in doubles, including:
- Iva Jovic and Victoria Mboko
- Clara Tauson and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
- Alexandra Eala and doubles specialist Ingrid Gamarra Martins
The Australian Open 2026 promises to be a captivating event for both players and fans. With new partnerships and seasoned competitors, the doubles draw is sure to deliver excitement and thrilling matches.
