Explosive Predictions: 2026 Grand Slam Contenders (Tennis)

The 2025 Grand Slam season came to an end with the US Open, where Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz were crowned champions. The season was full of memorable moments, with four women lifting titles: Madison Keys (Australian Open), Coco Gauff (Roland Garros), Iga Swiatek (Wimbledon), and Sabalenka. As for the men, Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner shared the titles, with Sinner reaching the final in all tournaments. Now, it’s time to look ahead to 2026. Below, we present the strongest contenders for each of the Grand Slam tournaments.

Australian Open

Dates: January 18 – February 1Defending champions: Keys and SinnerFemale Contenders: Sabalenka, Gauff, Swiatek, and Naomi Osaka Sabalenka will seek to reclaim the title, boosted by her recent victory at the US Open. Gauff hopes to overcome her serving issues, while Swiatek will aim to complete the Grand Slam in Australia.Best chance for an unedited champion: Jessica Pegula, Amanda Anisimova, and Iva Jovic. Pegula, with tournament experience, could surprise. Anisimova, after reaching important finals, will seek her first title. Jovic, junior champion in Australia, could be a surprise.

Male contenders: Sinner, Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic Sinner and Alcaraz are the undisputed favorites. Djokovic, despite his age, remains a threat. Sinner will seek his third consecutive title, while Alcaraz will try to complete the Grand Slam.Best chance for an unseeded champion: Ben Shelton and Alexander Zverev Shelton, with a good performance on hard court, could challenge the favorites. Zverev, finalist in 2025, will seek his first Grand Slam title.

Roland Garros

Dates: May 24 – June 7Defending champions: Gauff and AlcarazFemale Contenders: Swiatek, Gauff, Sabalenka Swiatek, a four-time champion, will seek to regain her status as “Queen of Clay.” Gauff, with a good performance on clay, will seek her first consecutive title.Best chance for an unseeded champion: Mirra Andreeva, Jasmine Paolini, Zheng Qinwen Andreeva, with a good performance in 2025, could surprise. Paolini, finalist at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, remains a force on clay. Zheng, back after an injury, will seek her opportunity.

Male contenders: Alcaraz, Sinner, Djokovic Alcaraz, defending champion, will face Sinner in a possible rematch of the 2025 final. Djokovic will seek his fourth title at Roland Garros.Best chance for an unseeded champion: Lorenzo Musetti, Zverev, Holger Rune Musetti, with good performance on clay in 2025, will seek to continue improving. Zverev, finalist in 2024, could have his opportunity in this tournament. Rune, with good results on clay, will seek to consolidate.

Wimbledon

Dates: June 29 – July 12Defending champions: Swiatek and SinnerFemale Contenders: Swiatek, Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina Swiatek, after her victory at Wimbledon, will seek to repeat the success. Sabalenka, three-time semi-finalist, will try to reach the final. Rybakina, champion in 2022, is always a contender.Best chance for an unreleased champion: Anisimova, Andreeva Anisimova, with good performance this season, will seek to advance. Andreeva, with experience, could surprise.Male Contenders: Alcaraz, Sinner, Djokovic Alcaraz will seek his third title at Wimbledon. Sinner, defending champion, will try to repeat the feat. Djokovic will seek to break the record for titles.Best chance for an unseeded champion: Taylor Fritz, Jack Draper Fritz, with experience on grass, could surprise. Draper, with the support of the public, will seek to advance.

US Open

Dates: August 30 – September 13Defending champions: Sabalenka and AlcarazFemale Contenders: Sabalenka, Gauff, Swiatek, Osaka Sabalenka will seek her third consecutive title. Gauff, Swiatek, and Osaka will seek the title.Best chance for an unseeded champion: Anisimova, Karolina Muchova, Victoria Mboko Anisimova, after her good performance, will seek the title. Muchova, a US Open semi-finalist, is always a contender. Mboko, with a great performance, will seek to advance.Male Contenders: Alcaraz, Sinner, Djokovic Alcaraz and Sinner, champions in their respective careers, will face each other in a possible rematch. Djokovic will seek the title.Best chance for an unseeded champion: Shelton, Fritz, Draper, Felix Auger-Aliassime Shelton, with good play, could surprise. Fritz and Draper will seek the title. Auger-Aliassime, with confidence, could advance.