Australian Open 2026: Alcaraz vs. Sinner, Djokovic eyes history, Sabalenka and Swiatek set for Grand Slam glory

Alcaraz is not the only player aiming to complete a sweep of Grand Slam titles.

Like Alcaraz, Poland’s Iga Swiatek has six Grand Slam titles, and the Australian Open is the missing piece of the puzzle.

The 24-year-old has already cemented her status as a future great after winning Wimbledon last year which few – including herself – could have predicted.

However, defeats to Coco Gauff and Belinda Bencic in the United Cup opener showed that Swiatek will need to sort some things out quickly in Melbourne.

Swiatek says she can “hear” talk of a Slam career, but is determined to rule out any ideas of making it happen.

“It will obviously be a dream come true. This is not my clear goal that I wake up with. I’m thinking more about how I want to play, and what I want to improve day after day,” she said.

Gauff joins Swiatek as part of a trio that has won nine of the past 12 major tournaments, but the third member – two-time Melbourne champion Aryna Sabalenka – is the pre-tournament favourite.

World number one Sabalenka prepared by winning the Brisbane title last week, although she believes this is not of great importance.

“It’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 the Australian Open final last year.

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