Top Storylines to Follow: Sinner, Alcaraz at Australian Open

Casey Halston

ago 2 hours

The Australian Open, affectionately dubbed ‘The Happy Slam,’ is a pivotal moment in the tennis calendar, with many familiar names returning to Melbourne Park. Among them, Italy’s Jannik Sinner and American Madison Keys are considered past champions, adding noteworthy achievements to their careers. Sinner claimed his first major title at the Australian Open, followed by another in 2025, while Keys celebrated her first Grand Slam victory. The stage is set for exciting storylines this year, particularly the ongoing rivalry between Sinner and Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz.

Top Storylines to Follow: Sinner, Alcaraz at Australian Open

The Sinner-Alcaraz Rivalry

This season marks the continuation of an intense rivalry between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, the top two players in men’s tennis. In 2025, they split the four Grand Slam titles, with Sinner winning both the Australian Open and Wimbledon, while Alcaraz claimed the French Open and US Open. Notably, three finals featured direct matchups between these two, with Sinner emerging victorious in the ATP Tour Finals. Both players are anticipated to excel again this year, with significant competitive potential on display.

Major Milestones and Motivations

Alcaraz is looking to become the youngest player to achieve a career Grand Slam.
Novak Djokovic, at 38, seeks his record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.
Despite ongoing fitness concerns, Djokovic remains a formidable competitor, previously reaching the semifinals of all four majors in 2025.

Rising Stars in the Women’s Draw

Canadian tennis is witnessing an exhilarating new talent in Victoria Mboko, who leapt from a ranking of No. 333 to No. 17 following a stellar 2025 season. She recorded a significant home win at the National Bank Open and is on track for a solid start in the new year. At 19, Mboko’s upcoming matches in Melbourne could prove challenging as she navigates a tough draw against players like Clara Tauson and Aryna Sabalenka.

Joining her are fellow Canadians Leylah Fernandez and Marina Stakusic, both of whom bring their own strengths to the tournament. Fernandez ended the previous season on a high note, winning the DC and Japan Opens, while Stakusic is making her Australian Open debut.

Men’s Canadian Contenders

Felix Auger-Aliassime, ranked seventh, aims to build on his recent US Open semifinals appearance.
Denis Shapovalov, currently ranked 21st, faces tough opponents in Casper Ruud and Ben Shelton.
Gabriel Diallo will contend with last year’s finalist Alexander Zverev.
Liam Draxl, a qualifier, will experience his Grand Slam debut against Damir Dzumhur.

Women’s Competition Outlook

Aryna Sabalenka returns as a formidable favorite, having won the US Open last year and eyeing her third consecutive Australian Open title. Other challengers include Emma Raducanu and potentially Mboko, with a focus on overcoming tough matchups early in the tournament. The current landscape of women’s tennis remains competitive, particularly with Iga Swiatek’s recent struggles.

Coco Gauff’s Serving Challenges

Coco Gauff, currently ranked third, is working to address her serve issues, having led the WTA in double faults last season. After hiring a biomechanics coach, she has shown glimpses of improvement, alongside some familiar struggle patterns. The Australian Open will serve as an important benchmark for Gauff, as she aims for her third Grand Slam title.

The Australian Open promises to be a thrilling mix of established stars and rising talents. With compelling matchups and potential upsets, fans can look forward to a captivating tournament at Melbourne Park.