Post by : Badri Ariffin

Sydney: The 2026 tennis calendar begins with stars Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Aryna Sabalenka gearing up for a spectacular showdown at the Australian Open. The excitement kicks off this Friday with the mixed-team United Cup taking place in Perth and Sydney, featuring women's world No. 2 Iga Swiatek and men's world No. 3 Alexander Zverev.

Reigning world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, a two-time Australian Open champion, is set to commence her journey at the Brisbane International from January 4-11. She'll face formidable competitors including the reigning champion Madison Keys and world No. 4 Amanda Anisimova.

Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz and Italy's Jannik Sinner, affectionately dubbed “Sincaraz” by fans, are set for an exhibition match in South Korea on January 10—this will be their only prelude before the Grand Slam kicks off eight days later.

Alcaraz, who finished last season as the ATP year-end No. 1 after clinching titles at the French Open and US Open, has yet to break past the Australian Open quarterfinals, having fallen to Novak Djokovic in 2025. Now 22, he approaches the season with a new coach after parting ways with his long-time mentor Juan Carlos Ferrero.

On the other hand, Sinner concluded a stellar 2025 by defending his Australian Open title and triumphing at Wimbledon, despite facing a three-month doping suspension. His consistency is underscored by an impressive record of 58 wins against merely six losses.

Novak Djokovic, now 38, will open his season at the Adelaide International on January 12 as he pursues a historic 25th Grand Slam and an 11th Australian Open title, recognizing the escalating challenge posed by emerging talents like Alcaraz and Sinner.

The United Cup also features other notable names, including Felix Auger-Aliassime, Taylor Fritz, and Alex de Minaur. Daniil Medvedev and Nick Kyrgios will be competing in Brisbane.

For the women, Sabalenka enters 2026 brimming with confidence after securing her second US Open title alongside wins in Brisbane, Madrid, and Miami. Although she is a frontrunner for another Australian Open victory, she faces tough competition from Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, and Elena Rybakina.

Reflecting on her successes, Sabalenka stated, “Winning it twice gives me confidence, but each year brings fresh challenges.” She seeks to further elevate her Grand Slam achievements.

Iga Swiatek leads the Polish team at the United Cup, partnering with Hubert Hurkacz as they aim to revenge against Team USA after their losses last year and to Germany in 2024. The US squad is spearheaded by Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz, while Japan makes its notable entry with Naomi Osaka participating for the first time.

The 2026 Australian Open season promises exhilarating encounters as established icons and rising stars compete fiercely for tennis glory Down Under.

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