Australian Open 2026: Alcaraz vs. Sinner, Djokovic looks back at history, Sabalenka and Swiatek battle for Grand Slam glory

Alcaraz isn’t the only player aiming to sweep the majors.

Like Alkaraz, Poland’s Iga Swiatek is a six-time Grand Slam champion and the Australian Open is the missing piece of the puzzle.

After winning Wimbledon last year, the 24-year-old has cemented herself as a future great that few expected – including herself.

However, defeats by Keke Gauff and Belinda Bencic in the Fed Cup opener showed Swiatek needed to iron out some issues quickly in Melbourne.

Swiatek said she could “hear” talk of a career Grand Slam but was determined to rule out any thoughts of achieving it.

“Obviously it’s going to be a dream come true. It’s not a clear goal that I wake up with. I think more about how I want to play and what I want to improve every day,” she said.

Goff joins Swiatek as part of a triumvirate that has won nine of the last 12 majors, but it was the third member – two-time Melbourne champion Aryna Sabalenka – who was the pre-tournament favorite.

World No. 1 Sabalenka warmed up by winning the Brisbane title last week, although she thought it meant little.

“That’s tennis – that’s why it’s so beautiful, because you can’t predict anything,” said the 27-year-old Belarusian, who lost to Madison Keys in last year’s Australian Open final.

“Every day you go out and prove your level.”