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12 Jan-1 Feb

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Open Mic: Quotes to remember at AO 2026

  • Felicia Arhontissas

From stunning breakthroughs, dramatic turning points, heartfelt celebrations and history-making milestones, the Happy Slam once again delivered a fortnight to remember.

Here’s some of the best player quotes from the closing days in Melbourne – the reflections, reactions and raw moments that captured the spirit of AO 2026.

“Nobody knows how hard I’ve been working to get this trophy – I just chased this moment so much."

Carlos Alcaraz became the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam and own seven major titles after winning the AO 2026 men’s singles title.

 

“Congratulations Carlos, an amazing tournament … what you’ve been doing is – I think the best word to describe it is historic, legendary.”

Novak Djokovic credits the history made by his younger rival in an unforgettable four-set final.

“I mean, what's the worst thing [that] can happen? Which my coach always tells me, you lose, but then you get another opportunity to play next week. And we have so many Slams yet, so I was kind of focused and not as stressed.”

Elena Rybakina, now a two-time major champion, on the progress she's made managing her emotions since her maiden Grand Slam title at Wimbledon 2022.

 

"Today you're loser; tomorrow you're winner. Hopefully I'll be more of a winner this season than a loser.”

Aryna Sabalenka reflected on her AO 2026 run after Elena Rybakina denied her a third Australian Open title in a thrilling three-set final.
 

 

"I don't know how to say it in words, because this was the only one I was missing ... I have Wimbledon, Roland Garros, US Open, gold medal, but this was the only one missing ... today I finally have it, so yeah, this is amazing."

Niels Vink on completing a special set with his inaugural Australian Open quad wheelchair singles title.

"I was not really thinking about the spot. I was thinking about this trophy in the first place, of course, but yeah, it does mean a lot ... to be No. 1 in something, it's amazing. I think it's the hard work that we do, the energy that we put in, and if it's rewarding, that's of course very beautiful."

Elise Mertens, who returned to the world No.1 doubles ranking after triumphing in the AO 2026 women's doubles with China's Zhang Shuai.  

“He had my mobile number, so I had to change my number for tonight.”

Novak Djokovic on finally solving the Jannik Sinner riddle and defeating the No.2 seed to reach Australian Open men’s finals.

“The way I think about the game, I honestly think it's different than a lot of people, and I think that's my strength. So, I think especially over the last couple of years I've kind of leaned into what my strengths are, and that is stability and my mental toughness and my ability to stay calm out there on the court.

Jessica Pegula on maintaining the consistency and composure required to progress to a maiden AO semifinal. 

“You’ve just got to keep on moving. It’s the only way. I mean, as tough as it is when you get results like this, you get back up, you get back on that horse, and that’s it.”

Home favourite Alex de Minaur vows to draw on his resilience after exiting to world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals.

“It’s always been my dream to come back after maternity leave back into the top 10. It’s always been my goal.”

Elina Svitolina, a mother to two-year-old daughter Shai, who was rewarded in the rankings after upsetting No.3 seed Coco Gauff in her first semifinal run at Melbourne Park. 

“Yeah, it's the quarterfinals, but you know, ultimately I hope to be in many quarterfinals, right, so I don't think that this win or loss today is going to make or break my career really. Yeah, it was a tough one … but that's tennis.”

Iva Jovic, who at age 18 became is the youngest player to reach the Australian Open quarterfinals since Nicole Vaidisova in 2007, and the youngest to do so without dropping a set since Venus Williams in 1998.
 

Hold Serve!

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