2026 Australian Open – Alex de Minaur chases first Slam semi at Melbourne Park
De Minaur comes into the Australian Open at a joint-career high of No. 6 in the ATP rankings, safely established as one of the tour’s most consistent and explosive players.
With that comes towering expectations, not least because the 26-year-old is on the verge of a Grand Slam semi-final debut. He has been beaten in all six quarter-final appearances, including at last season’s Australian Open to eventual champion Jannik Sinner, and the 2025 US Open in a four-hour, 10-minute marathon.
The Sydney native will hope to build on a successful season, where he clinched 10 ATP titles and a personal-best 55 wins on tour. The next step is to be able to challenge tennis’ ruling elite, having yet to beat Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in 18 meetings.
De Minaur was expecting a tough run-in ahead at this year’s home Slam, starting in the first round against former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini, before the Italian announced on Saturday that he was withdrawing from the event due to fitness concerns, leaving De Minaur to instead face lucky loser Mackenzie McDonald of the US**.** With a potential quarter-final against Alcaraz. Can this be the season he makes it to the final four of a major?
Talking of Alcaraz, he begins his campaign against another Australian, world No. 79 Adam Walton, who is in the main draw for the third year in a row.
With 2022 doubles champions Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios choosing to channel their efforts towards a second title, Rinky Hijikata is one to keep an eye on. The Youth Olympic doubles silver medallist won the Australian Open men’s doubles titles three years ago, and now enters the singles main draw on a wildcard.