MELBOURNE — The Australian Open 2026 commenced on Sunday with a spectacular lineup of matches featuring top contenders and legendary veterans. World number one Carlos Alcaraz embarks on a historic campaign to complete his career Grand Slam, while defending women’s champion Aryna Sabalenka seeks redemption after last year’s final defeat.
Alcaraz, the Spanish sensation who has already claimed titles at the US Open, Wimbledon, and Roland Garros, aims to become the youngest male player to achieve a career Grand Slam—surpassing his compatriot Rafael Nadal’s record. The 22-year-old expressed unwavering determination, stating, ‘I’m just hungry for the title, hungry to do a really good result here.’ He begins his quest against local hopeful Adam Walton on Rod Laver Arena.
In the women’s draw, Belarusian powerhouse Sabalenka launches her campaign for a third Melbourne title in four years. Fresh off her victory at the Brisbane International, she faces French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah. Sabalenka reflected on her strong season start, noting, ‘I can’t complain about my start of the season. I think I played some great matches there, showed great tennis.’
The tournament also witnesses the remarkable return of 45-year-old Venus Williams, who becomes the oldest woman ever to compete at the Australian Open. Despite recent struggles and a current ranking of 576, the seven-time Grand Slam champion remains undaunted: ‘I love challenges, so I’m up for the challenge.’ She faces Serbia’s Olga Danilovic in a tough opening match.
Other notable players include last year’s men’s finalist Alexander Zverev, who begins against Canada’s Gabriel Diallo, and women’s 12th seed Elina Svitolina, both entering the tournament with recent warm-up event victories.