As the curtain falls on the 2025 tennis season, enthusiasts and analysts alike are shifting their gaze toward the excitement that awaits in 2026. The Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year, promises to kick off the season with thrilling matchups and fierce competition, especially as the game has been significantly shaped by the dominance of a few key players.
On the men’s side, the narrative continues to revolve around the young stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Since the beginning of 2024, they have been the headline makers, sharing the last eight Grand Slam singles titles and facing off in three consecutive finals. As the odds for their potential rematch in the 2026 Australian Open unfold, both players are favored to reach the final once again, setting the stage for what could be yet another epic showdown.
While the men’s draw has spotlighted these two elite talents, the women’s singles showcases a diverse field with a host of contenders. In sharp contrast to the men’s tournament, where Alcaraz and Sinner dominate the betting odds, six women hold favorable prospects of claiming the Australian Open title. The impressive performances of players like Madison Keys, Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek, and Aryna Sabalenka have made for a dynamic season culminating in their respective Grand Slam victories in 2025.
A look at the odds for the 2026 Australian Open reveals the following:
Men’s Singles Odds:
– Jannik Sinner: +120
– Carlos Alcaraz: +140
– Novak Djokovic: +1100
– Alexander Zverev: +1400
– Daniil Medvedev: +1800
– Jack Draper: +2000
– Taylor Fritz: +2500
– Ben Shelton: +2500
– Joao Fonseca: +4000
– Tommy Paul: +5000
– Alex de Minaur: +5000
– Jakub Mensik: +6000
– Arthur Fils: +6500
Women’s Singles Odds:
– Aryna Sabalenka: +200
– Iga Swiatek: +400
– Coco Gauff: +550
– Mirra Andreeva: +900
– Madison Keys: +1000
– Amanda Anisimova: +1000
– Naomi Osaka: +1200
– Elena Rybakina: +1200
– Qinwen Zheng: +2200
– Karolina Muchova: +2500
– Jessica Pegula: +2800
– Emma Navarro: +3500
– Jasmine Paolini: +4000
– Barbora Krejcikova: +4000
– Victoria Mboko: +4000
Among the intriguing narratives heading into the tournament, three players worth highlighting are Daniil Medvedev, Taylor Fritz, and Amanda Anisimova.
Daniil Medvedev, currently listed at +1800, is experiencing a resurgence after finally breaking a title drought that stretched back to May 2023. His recent triumph at an ATP 250 event in Almaty signals a return to form that could carry him deep into the Australian Open. As a former Grand Slam champion, Medvedev possesses the pedigree to contend for another major title, especially with renewed confidence from his recent performances.
Taylor Fritz, with odds of +2500, emerges as one of the tour’s most rapidly improving talents. Although he has yet to secure a Grand Slam title, his track record includes reaching the finals at the 2024 U.S. Open, where he was bested by Sinner. Fritz’s consistent performance on Australian soil—evidenced by multiple deep runs—could bode well for him if he maintains his ranking, allowing him to navigate a potentially favorable path through the draw.
Amanda Anisimova is another name to watch with odds of +1000. Despite being regarded as a strong contender, her position in the rankings gives her significant value. Having finished as runner-up in both Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, Anisimova’s form is undeniable as she approaches the new year. Claiming a top-four seed would allow her to avoid facing the tournament’s most daunting competitors until later rounds, enhancing her championship aspirations.
Lastly, Elena Rybakina, marked at +1200, might be flying under the radar, yet her recent form—culminating in a nine-match winning streak—positions her as a dark horse. The 2022 Wimbledon champion, having previously reached the Australian Open final, carries the experience and momentum to make a surprise splash.
With the landscape of tennis continually evolving and exciting matches on the horizon, the 2026 Australian Open is shaping up to be a thrilling tournament as the world’s best vie for glory in Melbourne.
