Highlights: Alcaraz begins career Grand Slam bid with straight-sets win
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Most are backing either Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner to lift the Australian Open title on February 1, but could one of the challengers enjoy a strong run and pull off an upset?
Alcaraz and Sinner have split the last eight Grand Slam titles between them and hold a mammoth advantage at the top of the world rankings. But reputation alone doesn’t win trophies, and sport is littered with examples of heavy favourites falling.
Ahead of the first Grand Slam of 2026, TNT Sports expert John McEnroe gave his take on who he felt could end Sinner’s run after back-to-back titles in Melbourne.
“Winning a Grand Slam is incredibly hard – it doesn’t happen often,” McEnroe began. “If anyone can win one, it’s Sinner or Alcaraz, who’ve dominated the last couple of years.
“Novak [Djokovic] has won 24, so he’s always in the conversation.
“[Lorenzo] Musetti had bad luck at the French Open when he got hurt – he looked great. He seems back to where he was and getting closer to the top players mentally and physically. It’s still a big ask to go all the way.
“You probably have to beat two or three of the top guys. Along with guys like Ben Shelton, [Taylor] Fritz, [Alexander] Zverev – though they’ve all had issues.”
Watch ‘phenomenal’ recovery by Alcaraz as he shows off skills with wonder shot
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Despite his physical issues of late, at 38, Djokovic still appears the most likely to give Alcaraz and Sinner a headache.
But what about Zverev? The German has made no secret of his desire to end his wait for a maiden major and, at his best, might just have the firepower required to make a dent.
At 28, time is still on his side, too, while McEnroe hopes Zverev’s visit to meet with the Nadals last year might inspire him to find another gear.
Following his defeat at Wimbledon last year, Zverev spent 10 days at the Rafa Nadal Academy, training and trying to glean what he could from the 22-time Grand Slam champion and his uncle, Toni.
‘Great for me’ – Zverev on advice from Nadal ahead of US Open quest
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Renowned as one of sport’s fiercest competitors who thrived when the stakes were highest, there are arguably few better placed to help Zverev produce his best under the pressure of fighting for a Grand Slam.
“With Zverev, it seemed like he recognised what he needed to do – maybe Rafa knocked it into his head that he had to be more aggressive, take chances, not play defensively,” McEnroe added.
“He got to number two or three in the world playing as a counterpuncher, but that’s not where the game is now.
“That mentality is hard to change. He’s had off-court issues that must weigh on him. I don’t know where he’s at mentally. He’s always been fit, and he’s improved his serve after having the yips. He could do it – the talent is there – but changing deeply embedded habits isn’t easy.”
Henman: ‘It’s a two-horse race’
Such is their dominance, Tim Henman is someone who can’t see past Alcaraz or Sinner.
The Spaniard is already through to the second round after beating Adam Walton in straight sets, while Sinner begins his campaign against France’s Hugo Gaston.
“I really do believe in the men’s singles event it’s a two-horse race,” Henman said. “If you gave me the choice of Sinner and Alcaraz or the other 126 players, I would take Sinner and Alcaraz for sure, because the way they’ve played in the last couple of years, they have separated themselves from the rest.
“I would not be surprised at all to see Sinner play Alcaraz again in the final.”
It does remain to be seen, however, how Alcaraz fares without long-time coach Juan Carlos Ferrero in his corner after their surprise split.
Will that, and his superior record in Melbourne, give Sinner the edge?
“The two obvious variables: one is injury – coming into the first tournament of the year, playing best-of-five-set matches can prove an even greater challenge – and the other, which doesn’t affect Sinner, is Alcaraz’s decision to part ways with Juan Carlos Ferrero and whether mentally, psychologically, that has any impact.
“Who is the favourite for me out of those two? On hard courts, I probably would give the edge to Sinner. Having said that, Alcaraz, the way he played in the final of the US Open, proves that he’s very comfortable on hard courts. But if you want my pick for the men’s singles, I would go for Sinner.”
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