Sinner-Djokovic, Sabalenka-Gauff Collision Course Set: 2026 Aus Open Draw Released

Last Updated:January 15, 2026, 12:03 IST

Jannik Sinner faces Hugo Gaston in his Australian Open title defence, with a possible semi-final against Novak Djokovic. Madison Keys and Aryna Sabalenka headline the women's draw.

(Credit: AFP Photo)

Defending champion Jannik Sinner has been handed a smooth opening — and a brutal road ahead — as the Australian Open draw set up a potential semi-final showdown with Novak Djokovic.

The Italian world No.1 opens his title defence against France’s Hugo Gaston, but could meet 10-time champion Djokovic in a mouth-watering last-four clash if both progress.

Sinner beat Alexander Zverev in straight sets to lift last year’s trophy and went on to add Wimbledon and the ATP Finals, cementing his grip on men’s tennis. A third straight Melbourne title would put the 24-year-old alongside Djokovic as the only men in the Open era to achieve the feat.

“The draw is very difficult… it doesn’t matter who you play," Sinner said. “The road is long. We go day by day."

Djokovic, chasing a record 25th Grand Slam, begins against Spain’s Pedro Martinez, ranked 71st.

On the other half of the men’s draw, Carlos Alcaraz launches his bid for a first Australian Open title and a career Grand Slam against local hope Adam Walton. The Spaniard is on track for a semi-final clash with Zverev, last year’s runner-up.

Sixth seed Alex de Minaur faces a tricky opener against former world No.6 Matteo Berrettini, while Zverev takes on big-serving Gabriel Diallo.

Women’s Draw: Champions, Rivalries and a Venus Wildcard

Defending women’s champion Madison Keys opens against Ukrainian qualifier Oleksandra Oliynykova, one year after stunning Aryna Sabalenka in a classic final to claim her first major.

Top seed Sabalenka starts against French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah and could meet Coco Gauff in the semi-finals, with the American beginning her campaign against Kamilla Rakhimova.

Gauff may face a blockbuster second-round meeting with 45-year-old Venus Williams, who has been handed a wildcard.

Second seed Iga Swiatek opens against a qualifier and could run into Amanda Anisimova in the last four. The Pole has won three different Grand Slams — but Melbourne remains her missing piece.

The Australian Open begins Sunday, with blockbuster clashes looming from the very first week.

(with agency inputs)

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