Detailed Analysis: Title Contenders at the 2026 Grand Slams
The 2025 Grand Slam season came to an end with Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz lifting the US Open trophies in New York. Now, it’s time to look to the future, specifically the 2026 season, which is just around the corner. We analyze the main contenders for each of the most important tournaments.
Sabalenka, US Open champion, will seek to consolidate her dominance on the circuit.
Australian Open
Date: January 18 – February 1Headquarters: Melbourne, AustraliaDefending champions: Keys and SinnerTop female contenders: Sabalenka, Gauff, Swiatek, and Osaka
Sabalenka will seek to reclaim the title, motivated by her recent victory at the US Open. Gauff, hoping to overcome issues with her serve, and Swiatek, looking to complete the career Grand Slam, will be strong competitors. Osaka, after a resurgence, will also seek to advance in Melbourne.Best chance for an unseeded champion: Pegula, Anisimova, Jovic
Pegula, Anisimova, and Jovic could surprise and lift the trophy for the first time.
Djokovic is seeking his 25th title to break the historical record.Main male contenders: Sinner, Alcaraz, and Djokovic
Sinner and Alcaraz are the favorites, but Djokovic, despite his age, remains a formidable opponent. Sinner, the defending champion, and Alcaraz, seeking to complete the career Grand Slam, will fight for the title.Best opportunity for an unprecedented champion: Shelton and Zverev
Shelton and Zverev could challenge the favorites in Melbourne.
Roland Garros
Date: May 24 – June 7Headquarters: Paris, FranceDefending champions: Gauff and AlcarazTop female contenders: Swiatek, Gauff, Sabalenka
Swiatek, four-time champion at Roland Garros, will seek to regain her dominance on clay. Gauff and Sabalenka also aspire to win the title.Best chance for an unseeded champion: Andreeva, Paolini, Zheng
Andreeva, Paolini, and Zheng could surprise in Paris.
Mirra Andreeva reached the semifinals of the 2025 French Open.Top male contenders: Alcaraz, Sinner, Djokovic
Alcaraz, Sinner, and Djokovic will once again be the main contenders. Alcaraz will seek his third consecutive title, while Sinner will try to complete the career Grand Slam.Best chance for an unprecedented champion: Musetti, Zverev, Rune
Musetti, Zverev and Rune could achieve their first Grand Slam title in Paris.
Wimbledon
Date: June 29 – July 12Headquarters: London, United KingdomDefending champions: Swiatek and SinnerTop female contenders: Swiatek, Sabalenka, Rybakina
Swiatek, after her unexpected triumph, will seek to defend her title. Sabalenka and Rybakina will also be strong contenders.Best chance for an unseeded champion: Anisimova, Andreeva
Anisimova and Andreeva could surprise at Wimbledon.
Iga Swiatek was the surprise winner of Wimbledon this year.Top male contenders: Alcaraz, Sinner, Djokovic
Alcaraz, Sinner, and Djokovic will be the favorites again. Sinner will seek to repeat the title, while Djokovic will try to break the Grand Slam title record.Best chance for an unprecedented champion: Fritz, Draper
Fritz and Draper could surprise at Wimbledon.
US Open
Date: August 30 – September 13Headquarters: New YorkDefending champions: Sabalenka and AlcarazTop female contenders: Sabalenka, Gauff, Swiatek, Osaka
Sabalenka will seek her third consecutive title, while Gauff, Swiatek, and Osaka will also compete for the title.Best chance for an unseeded champion: Anisimova, Muchova, Mboko
Anisimova, Muchova, and Mboko could achieve their first Grand Slam title in New York.
Naomi Osaka reached the semi-finals of the US Open 2025, her best result since returning from her maternity leave.Top male contenders: Alcaraz, Sinner, Djokovic
Alcaraz and Sinner, finalists in 2025, will be favorites again, with Djokovic seeking the title.Best chance for an unseeded champion: Shelton, Fritz, Draper, Auger-Aliassime
Shelton, Fritz, Draper, and Auger-Aliassime could achieve their first Grand Slam title in New York.
