The Australian Open contenders list for 2026 highlights a small group of genuine title threats and a wider field of dark horse players. The Australian Open contenders emerge from both the men’s and women’s draws. The tournament begins on January 18 at Melbourne Park.
Australian Open Contenders In The Men’s Draw
The Australian Open contenders on the men’s side include Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic. Sinner enters seeking a third straight Australian Open title. He won the men’s singles titles in 2024 and 2025. Alcaraz aims to win his first Australian Open crown. A victory would complete a career Grand Slam. Djokovic competes for a record extending 25th Grand Slam singles title. He has won the Australian Open ten times.
Several other men appear as potential deep run candidates. Stefanos Tsitsipas has reached Grand Slam semifinals in previous seasons. He owns consistent results on hard courts. Félix Auger-Aliassime remains in the mix due to ranking and past form. Alex de Minaur draws attention with strong performances at home events and hard court tournaments.
Cameron Norrie features as a possible late round participant. He has previous experience advancing at Melbourne Park. Holger Rune also appears among the contenders. He has recorded wins against top ranked players and continues to compete at the highest level.
Australian Open Contenders In The Women’s Draw
The Australian Open contenders among women include Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek. Sabalenka owns strong results on hard courts and multiple major final appearances. Swiatek holds Grand Slam titles across different surfaces and remains among the top seeds.
Other women listed include Ons Jabeur, who has reached Grand Slam finals in recent seasons. Elena Rybakina stands out for her serve and previous deep major runs. Coco Gauff remains a factor due to ranking and consistent results. Belinda Bencic enters with experience and hard court success.
Australian Open Contenders And Dark Horses
The Australian Open contenders list also highlights dark horses. Qinwen Zheng and Marta Kostyuk appear as players capable of surprising results. Mirra Andreeva earns attention due to her rising ranking and recent performances.
The tournament structure places physical demands on players. Men compete in best of five set matches. Women compete in best of three sets. Fitness and consistency shape progress through the draw. The Australian Open contenders reflect a mix of established champions and emerging talents heading into Melbourne.
