The Australian summer is heating up, and with it comes the much-anticipated return of tennis. The ATP and WTA tours are set to kick off their 2026 seasons in Australia, highlighted by the team-based United Cup event. This all builds towards the Australian Open, which starts on January 18. This year’s tournament marks the first time since 2022 that both a local man and woman are seeded, raising hopes for a strong home performance.
Among the returning players is Nick Kyrgios, whose participation remains uncertain as he awaits a wildcard entry. His recent performance at the controversial Battle of the Sexes event, where he defeated women’s world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka, has done little to bolster his case. Despite the headlines, his display raised questions about his readiness for the grand slam.
Kyrgios’ Wildcard Dilemma
As of now, Nick Kyrgios has not secured a wildcard for the Australian Open. His lackluster performance against Sabalenka, coupled with his candid remarks about his lifestyle, has fueled skepticism. During a podcast with former NRL star Josh Mansour, Kyrgios admitted to heavy drinking, stating, “I drink a shitload. Like, I literally drink probably six days a week – like, heavy.”
Veteran tennis writer Ben Rothenberg criticized Kyrgios’ commitment, writing, “Kyrgios is already cooked, and largely by his own doing. His lifestyle in 2025 has had nothing to do with being a professional athlete.” Rothenberg further questioned Kyrgios’ ability to compete in a demanding five-set match.
“The notion that Kyrgios could possibly be competitive in a best-of-five match a few weeks from now seems pretty laughable.” — Ben Rothenberg
Kyrgios’ next opportunities to prove himself will be at the Brisbane International and the Kooyong Classic in January. With three discretionary wildcards still available, Tennis Australia faces a tough decision. Aussie great Mark Philippoussis noted the dilemma, stating, “If he goes out there and can’t perform but brings in the crowd for a couple of hours, is that enough?”
The Rise of Alex de Minaur
While Kyrgios battles for a wildcard, Alex de Minaur is poised to build on his impressive 2025 season. De Minaur reached the quarter-finals at Melbourne Park last year, fulfilling his top-eight seed expectations. However, the challenge of advancing further remains daunting, as no Aussie man has made the semi-finals since Lleyton Hewitt in 2005.
De Minaur’s consistent performance has earned him a spot among the world’s top players, yet he still seeks a breakthrough. His recent track record includes reaching the quarter-finals or better in eight events, but he has only one title to show for it. The Tennis Abstract Elo ratings currently place him at No.6 globally, indicating his potential to compete at the highest level.
“It’s of incredible merit to be one of the 10 best tennis players on the planet. But de Minaur hovers between sixth and 10th, depending on the ebbs and flows of form and injury.”
De Minaur’s path to success may depend on favorable draws and the absence of top-seeded rivals. His chances improve if he avoids facing Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz early in the tournament.
Women’s Hopes: Maya Joint and Daria Kasatkina
The Australian Open will also feature Maya Joint, a promising talent who recently switched allegiance from the US to Australia. Joint’s impressive 2025 season earned her a seeding, providing a buffer against facing top players in the early rounds. Her realistic goals for 2026 include reaching the third round of a slam and winning a 500-level event.
Meanwhile, Daria Kasatkina, another convert to the Australian flag, aims to overcome personal and professional challenges. Kasatkina, who is openly gay, has faced difficulties due to her nationality and personal circumstances. She took a break from the sport in October but plans to return energized for the 2026 season.
“I will be just fine though, and look forward to seeing you all in 2026, energised and ready to rock!!” — Daria Kasatkina
Global Contenders: Alcaraz and Sinner
On the global stage, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner remain the favorites for the Australian Open title. Alcaraz, the world No.1, seeks to complete his grand slam collection, while Sinner, the reigning champion, continues to dominate hard courts. Their rivalry has defined recent tournaments, with one of them winning every event they both entered in 2025.
“Through the 2025 season, there were some random results at top-level tournaments when one of the two young superstars was missing… on all nine occasions Sinner and Alcaraz played in a tournament in 2025, one of them won it.” — Ben Rothenberg
The absence of Jack Draper due to injury further cements the duo’s status as the players to beat. The gap between them and the rest of the field remains significant, with other top players struggling to match their consistency and skill.
As the Australian Open approaches, the spotlight will be on Kyrgios’ wildcard fate, de Minaur’s quest for a breakthrough, and the potential rise of Australia’s female players. With global stars like Alcaraz and Sinner in the mix, the tournament promises to be a thrilling start to the 2026 tennis season.
