Stars gear up for the 2026 Australian Open
- Sean A'Hearn
January 14, 2026
The tennis world is abuzz as top players from both the men's and women's circuits arrive in Melbourne, with many taking to the Rod Laver Arena for open practice sessions. For fans eager to catch a glimpse of their favorite athletes, these sessions offer a unique insight into their preparation and strategy.
One standout performer was Carlos Alcaraz, the world No.1 and U.S. Open champion. Alcaraz, known for his entertaining style, showcased his famous muscles in a Lebron James Lakers jersey. However, this year's Australian Open marks a new chapter in his coaching team. After a split with Juan Carlos Ferrero in December, Samuel Lopez has stepped up as the lead coach, implementing a tactical overhaul. Alcaraz aims to enhance his baseline game with more net approaches and a refined serve, a strategy born from analyzing recent losses and seeking variety. "I need to add new weapons to stay ahead," he stated.
In contrast, the defending AO champion, Jannik Sinner, exuded nonchalance during an all-Italian practice session with Flavio Cobolli. Despite retirement rumors, Darren Cahill remains in Sinner's corner for AO 2026, having made a pact to stay on after Sinner's Wimbledon triumph. Simone Vagnozzi is also key to the team's strategy, aiming to defend the AO crown and reclaim the No.1 ranking from Alcaraz. After losing to Alcaraz in the 2025 US Open final, Sinner acknowledged his predictability, embracing a short-term bumpy road to become a more complete player.
Aryna Sabalenka, another player seeking variety, was spotted working on her slice backhand, a skill she started incorporating more in 2025 with positive results. Sabalenka, an aggressive baseliner, is focused on adding different elements to her game heading into AO 2026.
Novak Djokovic, the 10-time AO champion, maintained his status quo, drawing a massive crowd to Rod Laver Arena. Despite his absence from major tournaments in the past two years, Djokovic's experience and motivation remain unwavering. He expressed his non-conformist approach to retirement, stating, "I've thought about it, but I play my way, not how others think I should."
As the tournament unfolds, the stage is set for intense competition, with players fine-tuning their strategies and pushing the boundaries of their skills.
