Explosive Predictions: Who Will Shine at the 2026 Grand Slams?

Analysis of the contenders for the 2026 Grand Slam

The 2025 tennis season came to an end with Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz lifting the US Open trophies in New York. A memorable year in the Slams, 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 division, Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner shared the titles, with Sinner reaching the final in each of the tournaments. With an eye on 2026, we analyze the main contenders for the Grand Slams of next season.

Aryna Sabalenka won two Australian Open titles, in 2023 and 2024, before losing to Madison Keys in the final this year.

Australian Open

Date: January 18 – February 1

Headquarters: Melbourne, Australia

Defending champions: Keys and Sinner

Top Female Contenders: Sabalenka, Gauff, Swiatek, and Naomi Osaka

Sabalenka will seek to reclaim the title, boosted by her recent victory at the US Open. Gauff, after overcoming her service issues, will seek a good start to the year. Swiatek, a semifinalist in 2025, will seek to complete the career Grand Slam in Australia. Osaka, in good form, will try to advance even further in her comeback.Best opportunity for an unprecedented champion: Jessica Pegula, Amanda Anisimova, Iva Jovic Pegula, Anisimova, and Jovic could surprise in Melbourne.

Novak Djokovic is still pursuing his 25th Grand Slam title to break the historical record.Top male contenders: Sinner, Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic Sinner and Alcaraz, the clear favorites, have dominated the last two years. Djokovic, although 38 years old, is still a threat. Sinner, defending champion, will seek his third consecutive title. Alcaraz, looking to complete the career Grand Slam, will try to win his first title in Australia. Djokovic, with 10 titles in Australia, will seek to break the record for Grand Slam titles.Best chance for an unprecedented champion: Ben Shelton and Alexander Zverev Shelton and Zverev could challenge Alcaraz and Sinner in Melbourne.

Roland Garros

Date: May 24 – June 7

Headquarters: Paris, France

Defending champions: Gauff and AlcarazTop female contenders: Swiatek, Gauff, Sabalenka Swiatek, a four-time champion at Roland Garros, will seek to regain her dominance. Gauff, after her good results on clay, will seek her first consecutive title. Sabalenka, after her defeat in the final, will seek revenge.Best chance for an unseeded champion: Mirra Andreeva, Jasmine Paolini, Zheng Qinwen Andreeva, Paolini, and Zheng could surprise in Paris.

Mirra Andreeva reached the semifinals of the 2025 Roland Garros.Top male contenders: Alcaraz, Sinner, Djokovic Alcaraz, Sinner, and Djokovic, the usual names, are emerging as the favorites. Alcaraz will seek his third consecutive title. Sinner, after his suspension, will seek to compete at the highest level. Djokovic, with three titles at Roland Garros, will seek to add another.Best opportunity for an unprecedented champion: Lorenzo Musetti, Zverev, Holger Rune Musetti, Zverev, and Rune could surprise in Paris.

Wimbledon

Date: June 29 – July 12

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom

Defending champions: Swiatek and SinnerTop female contenders: Swiatek, Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina Swiatek, after her unexpected victory, will seek to consolidate on grass. Sabalenka, seeking her first final at Wimbledon. Rybakina, the 2022 champion, is always a contender.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, the favorites on grass. Alcaraz, with a great record on grass, will seek another title. Djokovic, with seven titles at Wimbledon, will seek another.Best chance for an unseeded champion: Taylor Fritz, Jack Draper Fritz and Draper could surprise at Wimbledon.

US Open

Date: August 30 – September 13

Headquarters: New York

Defending champions: Sabalenka and AlcarazTop female contenders: Sabalenka, Gauff, Swiatek, Osaka Sabalenka, seeking her third consecutive title. Gauff, Swiatek, and Osaka, looking to close the season with a title.Best chance for an unedited champion: Anisimova, Karolina Muchova, Victoria Mboko Anisimova, Muchova, and Mboko could surprise in New York.

Naomi Osaka reached the semifinals of the 2025 US Open, her best result since returning from maternity leave.Top male contenders: Alcaraz, Sinner, Djokovic Alcaraz, Sinner and Djokovic, the favorites. Alcaraz, seeking the title. Djokovic, seeking another title in New York.Best opportunity for an unprecedented champion: Shelton, Fritz, Draper, Felix Auger-Aliassime Shelton, Fritz, Draper, and Auger-Aliassime could surprise in New York.