Analysis and Predictions: Who Will Shine at the 2026 Tennis Grand Slams?
The 2025 Grand Slam season came to an end with exciting victories by Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open. Now, it’s time to anticipate what 2026 will bring. Below, an analysis of the strongest contenders in each of the most important tennis tournaments.
Australian Open
Date: January 18 – February 1
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Headquarters: Melbourne, Australia
Defending champions: Keys and SinnerFemale Contenders: Sabalenka, Gauff, Swiatek, and Osaka
Aryna Sabalenka will seek to claim the title after her recent victory at the US Open. Coco Gauff hopes to overcome issues with her serve and improve her performance on hard court. Iga Swiatek, a semifinalist in 2025, will seek to complete her Grand Slam. Naomi Osaka, in good form, will try to advance in her return to tennis.Possible first-time champions: Pegula, Anisimova, Jovic Jessica Pegula, with her experience, could surprise. Amanda Anisimova, with experience in important finals, could achieve her first title. Iva Jovic, a young prospect, could spring a surprise.
Possible first-time champions: Shelton and Zverev
Ben Shelton could challenge Alcaraz and Sinner. Zverev, after reaching the final in 2025, will seek his opportunity.
Roland Garros
Date: May 24 – June 7
Headquarters: Paris, France
Defending champions: Gauff and AlcarazFemale Contenders: Swiatek, Gauff, Sabalenka Swiatek, queen of clay, will seek to reclaim her throne. Gauff, with a good performance, will seek her first consecutive title. Sabalenka will try to avenge her defeat in the final.Possible first-time champions: Andreeva, Paolini, Zheng Qinwen Mirra Andreeva, with great potential, could surprise. Jasmine Paolini, with good performance on clay, is a candidate. Zheng Qinwen, recovering from an injury, could return with force.Male Contenders: Alcaraz, Sinner, Djokovic Alcaraz and Sinner, with an epic duel in 2025, could star in another memorable final. Djokovic will seek his fourth title at Roland Garros.Possible first-time champions: Musetti, Zverev, Rune Lorenzo Musetti, on the rise on clay, could be a surprise. Zverev, seeking his opportunity, could stand out. Holger Rune, with a good performance on clay, could compete.
Wimbledon
Date: June 29 – July 12
Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Defending champions: Swiatek and SinnerFemale Contenders: Swiatek, Sabalenka, Rybakina
Swiatek, after her surprising victory, will seek to consolidate on grass. Sabalenka, seeking her first final at Wimbledon. Rybakina, champion in 2022, is always a competitor.Possible first-time champions: Anisimova, Andreeva Anisimova, with a good performance, could stand out. Andreeva, with more experience, could advance.Male Contenders: Alcaraz, Sinner, Djokovic Alcaraz and Sinner, with a great duel in 2025, are the favorites. Djokovic, seeking to break the record, is always a rival to consider.Possible first-time champions: Fritz, Draper Taylor Fritz, with good performance on grass, could surprise. Jack Draper, with the support of the public, could go far.
US Open
Date: August 30 – September 13
Headquarters: New York
Defending champions: Sabalenka and AlcarazFemale Contenders: Sabalenka, Gauff, Swiatek, Osaka Sabalenka, seeking her third championship. Gauff, seeking revenge. Swiatek and Osaka, seeking the title.Possible first-time champions: Anisimova, Muchova, Mboko Anisimova, after her good performance at Wimbledon, will seek the title. Muchova, always in competition. Mboko, with great projection, could surprise.Male Contenders: Alcaraz, Sinner, Djokovic Alcaraz and Sinner, with a great duel in the 2025 final. Djokovic, always a rival to consider.Possible first-time champions: Shelton, Fritz, Draper, Auger-Aliassime Shelton, seeking the title. Fritz, Draper, and Auger-Aliassime, looking for their opportunity.
