Analysis: Who are the favorites for the 2026 Grand Slams?
The 2025 Grand Slam season came to an end with Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz lifting the US Open trophies in New York. It was a memorable season, with four different women champions: Madison Keys (Australian Open), Coco Gauff (Roland Garros), Iga Swiatek (Wimbledon), and Sabalenka. In the men’s category, Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner shared the titles. With the 2025 season in the rearview mirror, it’s time to anticipate what 2026 holds.
Despite the immediacy of current events and the excitement they generate, it is inevitable to look towards the future. Below, an analysis of the main contenders for the most important tournaments of 2026.Australian OpenDate: January 18 – February 1Defending champions: Keys and SinnerFemale contenders: Sabalenka, Gauff, Swiatek, and Naomi Osaka
Sabalenka will seek to claim the title, boosted by her recent victory at the US Open. Gauff, after overcoming service issues, will aim to consolidate her position on the circuit. Swiatek, a semifinalist in 2025, will aspire to complete the Grand Slam. Osaka, in a notable resurgence, will try to take her comeback even further.Best chance for an unedited champion: Jessica Pegula, Amanda Anisimova, Iva Jovic.
Pegula, Anisimova, and Jovic represent the hopes for new figures in the tournament. Jovic, with her recent victory at the Guadalajara Open, could surprise.Male contenders: Sinner, Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic
Sinner and Alcaraz, with their recent dominance, start as favorites. Djokovic, despite his age, remains a strong contender. Sinner will seek his third consecutive title, while Alcaraz will try to complete the Grand Slam.Best opportunity for an unprecedented champion: Ben Shelton and Alexander Zverev.
Shelton and Zverev, with their potential, could challenge the favorites in Melbourne.
Roland Garros
Date: May 24 – June 7Defending champions: Gauff and AlcarazFemale contenders: Swiatek, Gauff, Sabalenka
Swiatek will seek to reclaim her throne on clay. Gauff, after her recent success, will try to consolidate. Sabalenka will seek revenge after her defeat.Best chance for an unseeded champion: Mirra Andreeva, Jasmine Paolini, Zheng Qinwen.
Andreeva, Paolini, and Zheng represent the hopes for new figures in the tournament.Male Contenders: Alcaraz, Sinner, Djokovic
Alcaraz and Sinner could star in another epic final. Djokovic will seek his fourth title in Paris.Best chance for an unseeded champion: Lorenzo Musetti, Zverev, Holger Rune
Musetti, Zverev, and Rune will seek their opportunity at Roland Garros.
Wimbledon
Date: June 29 – July 12Defending champions: Swiatek and SinnerFemale contenders: Swiatek, Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina
Swiatek, after her surprising victory in 2025, will seek to maintain her dominance on grass. Sabalenka will seek her first final at Wimbledon. Rybakina, champion in 2022, is always a contender.Best chance for an unedited champion: Anisimova, Andreeva
Anisimova and Andreeva will seek their opportunity at Wimbledon.Male contenders: Alcaraz, Sinner, Djokovic
Alcaraz, Sinner, and Djokovic are emerging as the favorites. Alcaraz will seek his third title at Wimbledon.Best chance for an unseeded champion: Taylor Fritz, Jack Draper
Fritz and Draper will seek their opportunity at Wimbledon.
US Open
Date: August 30 – September 13
Defending 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 unedited champion: Anisimova, Karolina Muchova, Victoria Mboko
Anisimova, Muchova, and Mboko will seek their opportunity.Male contenders: Alcaraz, Sinner, Djokovic
Alcaraz and Sinner, with their dominance, start as favorites. Djokovic will seek a new title.Best chance for an unseeded champion: Shelton, Fritz, Draper, Felix Auger-Aliassime
Shelton, Fritz, Draper, and Auger-Aliassime will seek their opportunity.
