The 2026 tennis season is just about here, which means it’s time to make predictions for the year’s four Grand Slams. Will Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have another monopoly on the biggest events in the world? How much does Novak Djokovic have left in the tank? Is there a chance Daniil Medvedev bounces back? Can wildly talented players like Joao Fonseca, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Ben Shelton put it all together? Those are just some of the questions that will be answered in due time.
Here are my picks.
Australian Open: Jannik Sinner
There is a Texas-sized chasm between the top two players in the world and everyone else on the ATP Tour right now. Expecting anything other than an Alcaraz or Sinner triumph at the upcoming Australian Open would be foolish. Of the two, Sinner seems like the far more reliable guy in this particular situation. The second-ranked Italian has always been at his best on hard courts and he is the two-time defending champion Down Under. Meanwhile, Alcaraz has never even reached the Australian Open final and it remains to be seen what kind of impact — if any — his split from Juan Carlos Ferrero has on his results.
Runner-up (if on opposite side of the draw): Taylor Fritz
French Open: Carlos Alcaraz
On his clay-court stomping grounds, Alcaraz should have the upper hand over Sinner — and over everyone else. It’s not like the world No. 1 is that much better on the red stuff than he is on hard courts and grass (he also owns two Wimbledon titles and two U.S. Open titles, after all), but it is the surface that probably gives him the best chance against Sinner in particular. Yes, Alcaraz was triple-match point down against Sinner in the 2025 French Open final — but the 22-year-old was the considerably better player for much of the final three sets. By the time Roland Garros rolls around, Alcaraz should be comfortable with the new situation on his coaching team.
Runner-up (if on opposite side): Jannik Sinner
Wimbledon: Carlos Alcaraz
Grass is the surface that generally produces the most surprising results, as the margins are smaller and the matches are tighter. If there is going to be a new Grand Slam winner in 2026, it will likely happen at Wimbledon. I think Daniil Medvedev is in line for a resurgence and he is a former Wimbledon semifinalist. Going all the way is probably twice as hard as reaching the final, as any player would likely have to beat both Sinner and Alcaraz to reach the final of major. An appearance in the championship match, though, is certainly realistic for an outsider. As for the champion, I think Alcaraz can regain the throne at the All-England Club following his loss to Sinner this past summer. Alcaraz has advanced to three consecutive Wimbledon finals, winning two.
Runner-up (if on opposite side): Daniil Medvedev
U.S. Open: Jannik Sinner
Although Alcaraz got the best of Sinner in the 2025 U.S. Open final, it is still easy to argue that the 24-year-old is the king of hard courts. Of his four Grand Slam titles so far, three have come on the hard stuff (two Aussies, one U.S.). Sinner has not lost prior to the final of a hard-court major since the 2023 U.S. Open (a five-set marathon setback against Alexander Zverev in the fourth round). Whatever the case, another Alcaraz vs. Sinner showdown for the title feels close to a slam dunk. Perhaps the only thing that could derail it is a potential physical issue — which is always possible at such a late stage of the tennis season.
Runner-up (if on opposite side): Carlos Alcaraz
It only feels right to back another two-two split of the four Grand Slam titles for Alcaraz and Sinner. I think everyone else is at least a year away. Still, an outsider or two reaching a slam final is well within reason — the most likely scenarios coming at the Australian Open (players are rusty and Alcaraz may be vulnerable) and Wimbledon (grass). I’m going with the top two players in the world to continue dominating tennis while at least a couple of challengers bring enough to the table to keep things interesting.
Korda beats Vachelot fairly easily , now its the all Czech Mahac/Lehecka.First meeting, should be good
And the defending champ gets through in three
Tsitsi beats Fritz…:blink: not on recent form at all
Rybikana seems to be on the crest of a wave, apparently some commies have her as the favourite
She not doing too bad this week either… should play Sabalenka
Saba is an amazing player, but I lost lost respect for her, after her attitude when Keys won the AO last year
Muchova just beat Ryba!! So she’s a contender.
Kostyuk beat Anisimova and Andreeva.
Amy thats great news, Muchova will take alot of confidence from that win, go girl 👏😊
And again we question Rybaks consisitency , I didnt see match
Much is crafty
Great to see a player like Muchova, a player using court craft, like Aga used to do 😊