In 2025, Madison Keys broke through as the season's sole first-time Grand Slam champion, realising her dream by capturing the Australian Open crown.
As the new season approaches, a big question arises: will 2026 witness another star achieve that same milestone?
This was precisely the topic debated on the latest episode of The Tennis, where the panel assessed the leading contenders on the WTA tour.
Amanda Anisimova is the highest-ranked women’s player entering the new year without a major title, and one fancied by many to take that leap next season.
“There’s a reason why she’s that ranking. I think she had a great year making back-to-back [Grand Slam] finals,” noted Australian doubles No.1 Ellen Perez.
“It’s really cool to see how she bounced back from the [Wimbledon] finals loss she had against Iga [Swiatek], a convincing scoreline, but it shows you are human, you get nervous… after that she was very fearless and she didn’t let that bother her.”
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Perez praised the 24-year-old’s mental strength and strong support system off the court – factors she believes position Anisimova ideally for a 2026 breakthrough.
“She looks very composed and in a good place,” Perez added.
“She has a good group of family and friends well outside the tennis world and I think that’s important. She doesn’t get wrapped up too much in all the other stuff, she grounds herself and resets really well.”
Another popular choice to make this breakthrough is Mirra Andreeva.
With two WTA 1000 titles and six top-10 wins for the season, the 19-year-old is shining more on the big stage each year.
“I’ve been a huge fan of Mirra, I think she’s one of the brightest prospects that we have in tennis full stop,” two-time junior Grand Slam champion Luke Saville said.
“She’s so good on every surface, very versatile, all-court game, and I think she’s handling the big moments better and better.”
Saville also made mention of someone just outside of the top 10 who had a huge rise in the rankings in 2025 – Belinda Bencic.
“Currently ranked 11 and started the year at 421, so an incredible year by Bencic – and coming back with a fresher new perspective as a mother she seems to be enjoying her tennis and her time on tour,” Saville said.
“She’s looking dangerous… she’s one definitely on my radar and I think she will be coming into the Australian Open as one of the players to beat.”
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Two players slightly older than Bencic, and joining Anisimova this January at Melbourne Park as top-eight seeds and previous major finalists, are Jessica Pegula and Jasmine Paolini.
With so many contenders poised to break through, the question may not be if a new champion will emerge, but who will handle the pressure best when the spotlight shines brightest.
Listen to the latest episode of The Tennis with Xavier, Brie, and our panel of experts. New episode released each Thursday, with daily episodes throughout the Australian Open main draw. Subscribe today and take The Tennis with you wherever you go.