Predictions 2026: Who will dominate the Tennis Grand Slams?

Deep Dive: Predictions for the 2026 Grand Slam Season

The 2025 tennis season came to an end with exciting finals at the US Open, where Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz were crowned champions. Now, with only four months until the start of the Australian Open, it’s time to anticipate what the 2026 Grand Slam season holds in store. Below, a look at the key contenders in each tournament.

Australian Open

Date: January 18 – February 1
Venue: Melbourne, Australia
Defending champions: Keys and Sinner

Female Contenders

• Sabalenka
• Gauff
• Swiatek
• Osaka

Sabalenka will seek to reclaim the title, fueled by her recent victory at the US Open. Gauff, with improvements in her serve, and Swiatek, looking to complete the career Grand Slam, will also be strong contenders. Naomi Osaka, after a resurgence, will try to extend her comeback.

Possible Female Surprises

• Pegula
• Anisimova
• Jovic

Pegula, Anisimova, and Jovic could be the surprises. Jovic, with her recent victory in Guadalajara, could surprise.

Male Contenders

• Sinner
• Alcaraz
• Djokovic

Sinner and Alcaraz start as favorites, with Djokovic as the main rival. Sinner will seek his third consecutive title, while Alcaraz will try to complete the career Grand Slam.

Possible Male Surprises

• Shelton
• Zverev

Shelton and Zverev could challenge the favorites.

Roland Garros

Date: May 24 – June 7
Venue: Paris, France
Defending champions: Gauff and Alcaraz

Female Contenders

• Swiatek
• Gauff
• Sabalenka

Swiatek, a four-time champion, will seek to regain her dominance on clay. Gauff, after a good performance, and Sabalenka, seeking revenge, will also be contenders.

Possible Female Surprises

• Andreeva
• Paolini
• Zheng Qinwen

Andreeva, Paolini, and Zheng Qinwen could surprise.

Male Contenders

• Alcaraz
• Sinner
• Djokovic

Alcaraz, Sinner and Djokovic, again the favorites. Alcaraz will seek his third consecutive title. Sinner, with extra motivation, and Djokovic will try to dethrone him.

Possible Male Surprises

• Musetti
• Zverev
• Rune

Musetti, Zverev, and Rune could surprise.

Wimbledon

Date: June 29 – July 12
Venue: London, United Kingdom
Defending champions: Swiatek and Sinner

Female Contenders

• Swiatek
• Sabalenka
• Rybakina

Swiatek, after her surprising victory, will seek to defend her title. Sabalenka and Rybakina will also be strong contenders.

Possible Female Surprises

• Anisimova
• Andreeva

Anisimova and Andreeva could surprise.

Male Contenders

• Alcaraz
• Sinner
• Djokovic

Alcaraz, Sinner and Djokovic, the favorites once again. Sinner will seek his first title, while Djokovic will try to break the record.

Possible Male Surprises

• Fritz
• Draper

Fritz and Draper could surprise.

US Open

Date: August 30 – September 13
Venue: New York
Defending champions: Sabalenka and Alcaraz

Female Contenders

• Sabalenka
• Gauff
• Swiatek
• Osaka

Sabalenka will seek her third consecutive title. Gauff, Swiatek, and Osaka will also be contenders.

Possible Female Surprises

• Anisimova
• Muchova
• Mboko

Anisimova, Muchova, and Mboko could surprise.

Male Contenders

• Alcaraz
• Sinner
• Djokovic

Alcaraz, Sinner, and Djokovic, the favorites. Alcaraz and Sinner faced each other in an epic final in 2025, and a possible rematch is expected.

Possible Male Surprises

• Shelton
• Fritz
• Draper
• Auger-Aliassime

Shelton, Fritz, Draper, and Auger-Aliassime could surprise.