Top Contenders and Rising Stars to Watch at the Australian Open
January 20th, 2026 by Carlota
The Australian Open always sets the tone for the tennis season. Fast hard courts, intense summer heat, and electric crowds in Melbourne create a Grand Slam unlike any other. This year’s tournament features dominant champions at the top of the game—alongside emerging talents and dangerous dark horses capable of flipping the draw upside down.
Here’s a breakdown of the top contenders to win on the men’s and women’s sides, followed by the players flying under the radar who could make this Australian Open unforgettable.
Top Contenders to Win – Men’s Singles
Jannik Sinner
The benchmark on hard courts, Sinner enters Melbourne as one of the most complete players in the game. His clean ball-striking, improved serve, and calm under pressure make him exceptionally dangerous over five sets. Few players handle pace and heat better, and his consistency in Australia has made him the man everyone is chasing.
Carlos Alcaraz
Explosive, creative, and relentlessly competitive, Alcaraz remains a top favorite. His athleticism allows him to win points in multiple ways, and his ability to adjust tactically has elevated his hard-court results. A strong Australian Open showing would further cement his status as the sport’s most dynamic force.
Novak Djokovic
No player owns Melbourne like Djokovic. His movement, return game, and mental toughness have produced more Australian Open titles than any man in history. Even as younger challengers rise, Djokovic’s experience and court IQ make him a threat every time he steps onto Rod Laver Arena. The question is can he maintain his level with matches at best out of five sets?
Daniil Medvedev & Alexander Zverev
Both remain dangerous contenders. Medvedev’s defense, depth, and problem-solving ability are perfectly suited to Australian Open conditions, while Zverev’s serve and backhand combination can overwhelm opponents when he’s confident. Neither will be an easy out deep in the draw.
Top Contenders to Win – Women’s Singles
Aryna Sabalenka
Power, confidence, and momentum define Sabalenka’s game. Her serve and first-strike tennis are tailor-made for Melbourne’s fast courts, and when she controls her emotions, few players can match her firepower. She enters as one of the clear favorites.
Iga Świątek
Świątek’s return game, movement, and tactical awareness make her a constant Slam contender. While Melbourne hasn’t yet produced her best results, her adaptability and competitive drive put her firmly in the title conversation.
Coco Gauff
Gauff continues to evolve into a complete player. Her athleticism, defensive skills, and improved forehand have translated well on hard courts. With growing confidence in big moments, Melbourne could be another breakthrough stage.
Dark Horses & Rising Stars to Watch
While the favorites command attention, the Australian Open is famous for surprise runs, breakout performances, and comeback stories. These players may not start as favorites—but all have the tools to disrupt the draw.
Belinda Bencic
A proven Grand Slam contender and Olympic champion, Bencic is the definition of a dark horse. Her ability to take the ball early, redirect pace, and return serve at an elite level makes her extremely dangerous on hard courts.
Victoria Mboko
One of the most exciting young prospects in women’s tennis, Mboko brings athleticism, power, and fearlessness to the court. Still early in her Grand Slam journey, she has the physical tools to thrive in Melbourne’s fast conditions and gain invaluable experience on a big stage.
Iva Jovic
Poised and composed beyond her years, Jovic continues to impress with her all-court instincts and competitive maturity. The Australian Open represents another key step in her development as one of the next names to watch in American tennis.
Mirra Andreeva
Already comfortable on the sport’s biggest stages, Andreeva continues to prove she’s far more than just a promising teenager. Her exceptional shot tolerance, court awareness, and mental composure allow her to hang with, and often outmaneuver, top players in long, physical rallies. On Melbourne’s fast hard courts, her ability to absorb pace and redirect the ball makes her a legitimate dark horse capable of a deep run.
Learner Tien
A rising American talent, Tien’s speed, counterpunching, and tactical intelligence allow him to frustrate bigger hitters. His ability to absorb pace and extend rallies could serve him well in the demanding Australian Open environment.
Jakub Menšík
With a booming serve and fearless baseline game, Menšík is built for fast hard courts. His physical presence and shot tolerance make him one of the most dangerous young players capable of pulling off early-round upsets.
Alexander Bublik
Unpredictable, creative, and incredibly gifted, Bublik is a classic Australian Open wild card. His elite serve, touch shots, and willingness to take risks can completely derail opponents. If he stays focused, he’s capable of a deep, and entertaining, run.
🎾 Why the Australian Open Delivers the Unexpected
The Australian Open rewards players who combine fitness, adaptability, and mental toughness. Between the heat, five-set battles, and fast courts, Melbourne consistently reveals who’s truly ready to compete at the highest level, whether that’s a world No. 1 or a rising star announcing themselves to the tennis world.
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