Australian Open 2026: Alcaraz v Sinner, Djokovic eyes history, Sabalenka and Swiatek go for Grand Slam glory

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

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

The 24-year-old has already cemented her place as a future great after a Wimbledon triumph last year which few predicted – including herself.

However, defeats by Coco Gauff and Belinda Bencic at the curtain-raising United Cup showed Swiatek will need to quickly iron a few things out in Melbourne.

Swiatek says she can “hear” the talk about the career Slam, but she is intent on shutting out any thoughts of achieving it.

“Obviously it would 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, what I want to improve day by day,” she said.

Gauff joins Swiatek as part of a triumvirate who has won nine of the past 12 majors, but it is the third member – two-time Melbourne champion Aryna Sabalenka – who is the pre-tournament favourite.

World number one Sabalenka warmed up by winning the Brisbane title last week, although she believes that counts for little.

“It’s tennis – that’s why it’s so beautiful because you cannot 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 there and prove your level.”