Predictions 2026: Who will dominate the Grand Slam Tennis tournaments?

Analysis of the Candidates for the 2026 Grand Slams

The 2025 Grand Slam season came to an end with Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz’s victories at the US Open in New York. The campaign was memorable, with four different champions in the women’s division: Madison Keys (Australian Open), Coco Gauff (Roland Garros), Iga Swiatek (Wimbledon), and Sabalenka. In the men’s draw, Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner shared the titles. Now, it’s time to anticipate what 2026 will bring, with eyes on the Australian Open.

Australian Open

Dates: January 18 – February 1Defending champions: Keys and SinnerFemale Candidates: Sabalenka, Gauff, Swiatek, and Naomi Osaka Sabalenka will seek to reclaim the title, boosted by her US Open victory. Gauff, after overcoming service issues, will aim to improve her hard court performance. Swiatek, a semifinalist in 2025, will try to complete the Grand Slam. Osaka, on the rise, will look to extend her comeback.Possible first-time champions: Jessica Pegula, Amanda Anisimova, Iva Jovic Pegula, with experience in the quarterfinals, will seek her first title. Anisimova, with experience in Wimbledon and US Open finals, could surprise. Jovic, youth champion and recent winner in Guadalajara, could spring a surprise.

Male Candidates: Sinner, Alcaraz, and Djokovic Sinner and Alcaraz are the undisputed favorites. Djokovic, despite his age, remains a threat. Sinner, defending champion, will seek his third consecutive title. Alcaraz, number one in the world, will try to complete the Grand Slam.

Possible first-time champions: Ben Shelton and Zverev

Shelton, with great potential, could challenge Alcaraz and Sinner. Zverev, with experience in Grand Slam finals, will seek his first title.

Roland Garros

Dates: May 24 – June 7Defending champions: Gauff and AlcarazFemale Candidates: Swiatek, Gauff, Sabalenka Swiatek, a four-time champion, will seek to reclaim her throne on clay. Gauff, demonstrating her talent on the surface, will seek her first consecutive title. Sabalenka, after losing in the final, will seek revenge.Possible first-time champions: Mirra Andreeva, Jasmine Paolini, Zheng Qinwen Andreeva, with semifinals in 2024, is ready for her big moment. Paolini, finalist at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, remains a force on clay. Zheng, recovering from an injury, will seek her triumphant return.

Male Candidates: Alcaraz, Sinner, Djokovic Alcaraz, defending champion, and Sinner could star in another epic final. Djokovic will seek his fourth title at Roland Garros.Possible first-time champions: Lorenzo Musetti, Zverev, Holger Rune Musetti, with a great 2025 on clay, will seek to continue improving. Zverev, with experience in the quarterfinals, will seek his first title. Rune, with good results on clay, will seek his opportunity.

Wimbledon

Dates: June 29 – July 12

Defending champions: Swiatek and Sinner

Female Candidates: Swiatek, Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina

Swiatek, after winning at Wimbledon, could be the favorite. Sabalenka will seek her first final in the tournament. Rybakina, champion in 2022, is always a contender.Possible first-time champions: Anisimova, Andreeva Anisimova, with great performance, could be a surprise. Andreeva, with experience in the quarterfinals, will seek to advance further.Male Candidates: Alcaraz, Sinner, Djokovic Alcaraz will seek his third title. Sinner, defending champion, will seek to repeat. Djokovic will try to break the record.

Possible first-time champions: Taylor Fritz, Jack Draper

Fritz, with a great game on grass, could surprise. Draper, the local favorite, will seek to advance.

US Open

Dates: August 30 – September 13Defending champions: Sabalenka and Alcaraz

Female Candidates: Sabalenka, Gauff, Swiatek, Osaka

Sabalenka, defending champion, will seek the three-peat. Gauff, Swiatek, and Osaka will seek the title.Possible first-time champions: Anisimova, Karolina Muchova, Victoria Mboko Anisimova, with a great comeback, will seek the title. Muchova, with experience in the semifinals, could surprise. Mboko, on the rise, will seek her big moment.Male Candidates: Alcaraz, Sinner, Djokovic Alcaraz and Sinner, dominant in New York, will seek the title. Djokovic will seek victory.Possible first-time champions: Shelton, Fritz, Draper, Felix Auger-Aliassime Shelton, with a great game on hard court, could surprise. Fritz and Draper will seek the title. Auger-Aliassime, with confidence, will seek his opportunity.