More than 250 players arrive at the Australian Open every year to chance their arm at glory.
But very few do so off the back of an unbeaten run in January before the season’s first Grand Slam.
Let’s take a look at some of the in-form stars who have yet to be taken down on the singles court this calendar year.
Aryna Sabalenka
The world No.1 is at the peak of her powers.
Sabalenka stormed to the Brisbane International title earlier this month without so much as dropping a set, dispatching seeded players with ease including Karolina Muchova, Marta Kostyuk and reigning AO champion Madison Keys.
The 27-year-old has brought that sparkling form to Melbourne Park, earning two more straight-sets victories.
45 OF LAST 50 SETS: Sabalenka in elite company at AO26
While she’s yet to be seriously tested across the first two rounds, few would back against the two-time winner to remain undefeated come the end of January.
Should she reach the final, Sabalenka would become just the third woman in the Open era to reach four consecutive AO finals.
Sabalenka enters Friday’s third-round match-up as heavy favourite against Anastasia Potapova, who bested Emma Raducanu in Melbourne but has lost matches in Brisbane and Adelaide already this season.
Alexander Bublik
Forget your assumptions: Bublik is serious this year.
A serial entertainer, the 28-year-old arrived at Melbourne Park off the back of a business-like run to the Hong Kong title.
The Kazak powered past first seed Lorenzo Musetti in the final to clinch a ninth ATP title and crack the top 10 for the first time.
He’s also sealed both matches so far in Melbourne in straight sets.
“I matured a bit,” Bublik said after his second-round victory over Marton Fucsovics. “I'm treating it more like work.”
That’s not to say we shouldn’t expect fireworks from the showman, but his improved patience adds a clinical edge to an already enviable skillset.
Bublik’s match against the versatile Tomas Martin Etcheverry on Friday will provide a clear litmus test of his mettle.
Daniil Medvedev
After an underwhelming season by his high standards, the former world No.1 looks a man reborn.
Promising signs of a comeback morphed into bona fide form this month as the 29-year-old clinched the Brisbane title – his 22nd unique piece of ATP silverware.
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A new-look coaching team and a fresh mindset are behind Medvedev’s renewal, which will have fans hopeful the three-time AO finalist can again find himself at the pointy end of the tournament.
Despite a turbulent 2025, it’s worth noting that no man aside from Novak Djokovic has more ATP wins in Australia over the past decade than Medvedev.
Hungarian tricky customer Fabian Marozsan, who toppled 24th seed Arthur Rinderknech in the opening round, awaits Medvedev on Margaret Court Arena on Friday.
Elina Svitolina
Breaking news: the Ukrainian is back.
Svitolina gave herself some breathing room at the back end of last year, ending her season in late September after telling fans she hadn’t been feeling herself.
The world No.12 returned with vim and vigour this month, earning five straight wins to lift her 19th WTA singles title in Auckland.
She’s had no trouble in the first two rounds at Melbourne Park, cruising to straight-sets triumphs against Cristina Bucsa and Linda Klimovicova.
Her undefeated streak will face a serious test against the dynamic Diana Shnaider in Friday’s Margaret Court Arena night session.