2026 Australian Open: Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Venus Williams All Involved in Intriguing Storylines

From Djokovic’s majors drought to Alcaraz aiming for history to Williams competing at 45, there is plenty to get excited about for the Australian Open.

Novak Djokovic (L) with Carlos Alcaraz at the end of a men’s semifinal at the Mutua Madrid Open tennis tournament in Madrid on May 7, 2022. Manu Fernandez/AP Photo

We’re in mid-January, which means the first tennis major is here, and that’s the 2026 Australian Open. This is the 114th edition of the Aussie Open, with Melbourne Park in Victoria playing host.

Play begins on Jan. 18 and wraps up on Feb. 1, and there are intriguing storylines that should captivate both diehard fans and tennis casuals. Here are the biggest narratives that will be discussed throughout the Australian Open 2026.

Will the Champs Reign?

Starting with the defending Aussie Open champions in Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys, the former is aiming to become the fourth man to three-peat Down Under, joining Novak Djokovic, Roy Emerson, and Jack Crawford. Last year’s victory was a walk in the park for the Italian, who never faced a fifth set in any of his eight matches, and won the quarters, semis, and final each in straight sets.