From former champions returning to their most successful settings to new forces stepping up on the big stage, the build-up to Australian Open 2026 has been rich with anticipation, ambition and fascinating perspective.
In the days before they launched a new Grand Slam season in Melbourne, the stars of AO 2026 paused to talk tennis, life, pressure and opportunity.
Here’s what some of those players had to say.
“Even though I’ve been on this tour for a long time, this is also still my first experience as [defending champion]. I’m really just trying to soak in all of, like, the really cool fun parts, like walking in and seeing a picture of me holding the trophy. I could have never dreamed of that happening”.
AO 2025 women’s singles champion Madison Keys is excited to return to the scene of her Grand Slam breakthrough at Melbourne Park.
“In the past couple of years, I haven't played any official match before here because of the simple fact that I wanted to have a good off-season, a longer off-season, to get ready for this season again.”
Jannik Sinner is relying on a trusted formula as he targets a third consecutive Australian Open men’s singles triumph.
“I think this is my main goal for this year. I’m just hungry for the title, hungry to do a really good result here … I’m really excited about the tournament begin[ning]”.
World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz is fully focused on completing the only Grand Slam trophy missing from his collection at AO 2026.
“That final was a tough one. She played incredible and overplayed me. Took me a little time to recover. Going to this AO, I’m not really focusing on that last year result. But of course, I would like to do just a little better than I did last year”.
After a three-set loss in the AO 2025 singles final, world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka has redemption in sight.
“I don't compare generations … I enjoy watching them. I enjoyed playing them, too. I see that as a fan of tennis in general. The level has been amazing to watch those 20 years with different generations. As a competitor, it's been amazing to face them. Always a big challenge.”
AO 2014 champion Stan Wawrinka, who will contest his last AO draw in 2026, on competing against past and present greats including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
“It’s pretty crazy that it’s already been 10 years competing in the main draw. Ultimately every single player in the draw is extremely tough … It’s going to be a battle, but I’m looking forward to it. It basically just means that I’m going to have to be firing from the word ‘go’.”
With experience comes wisdom for Australian No.1 Alex de Minaur, who faces AO 2022 semifinalist Matteo Berrettini in the first match of his 10th Australian Open campaign.
“It’s a Grand Slam and every Grand Slam you want to perform and do your best, and you want to take advantage of the moment now because tomorrow isn’t promised.”
Coco Gauff, a champion at Roland Garros and the US Open, is living in the moment as she targets a third Grand Slam title at AO 2026.
“It was, of course, a big decision in my life with Gilles. In the end, it was the moment to do it, the turning point. It helped me a lot. Loved working with Thomas and Rohan. We were first kind of, let's call it, on a trial period until the end of the season. But I love working with them. I do think they love working with me, so we decided to continue.”
Three-time AO finalist and newly crowned Brisbane champion Daniil Medvedev, on splitting with long-time coach Gilles Cervara and achieving success with Thomas Johansson and Rohan Goetzke in his new coaching team.
“I had a lot of great experiences last year … going into this year, I’m just thinking about how I can get that extra edge … yeah, there are expectations, but I use them as motivation”.
Amanda Anisimova is drawing on the experience and confidence gained from finals appearances at Wimbledon and the US Open last season as she begins a new Grand Slam year.
“I think it’s great opportunity to test myself … I’m grateful so far to all of my doctors that have done an incredible job getting me back on court, to my team who has been persistent and believing in the process.”
After injuries impacted a challenging 2025 season, AO 2023 finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas is embracing a fresh start.
“I would say my New Year's resolution is to be unapologetically myself. I will say this every year, but to have fun, so ... Yeah, I just want to confidently stand with the decisions that I make.”
Former world No.1 and two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka begins the 2026 season with only positive vibes.
“I mean, I think I’ve played the level a lot more than I did last year. That [my AO debut in 2025] was like my first big ever WTA match so I think I’ve learnt a lot from the women that I’ve played over the past year… I think it’s definitely helped my tennis and my confidence… It really lifts your level”.
At age 17, former junior world No.1 Emerson Jones is focusing on her transition to the professional tour.
“Coming in as a main draw player gives a different vibe, apparently with the struggles I’ve has in the past coming here. Super excited and coming in full force, yeah”.
After exiting in the first round of AO 2025 qualifying, Alexandra Eala makes her main-draw debut as a top-50 star this January.