Carlos Alcaraz aced the career Grand Slam at AO 2026 and will commemorate the feat in body art.
FEATURES
8 OPENING UP
A smash-hit Opening Ceremony set the scene for a next-level AO 2026, with 1.3 million fans flocking to Melbourne Park.
24 MAJOR MOMENTS, MAJOR MILESTONES
Australian Open 2026 featured historic feats and impressive numbers.
27 A RARE DOUBLE
Olivia Gadecki and John Peers achieved an Aussie first in winning back-to-back AO mixed championships.
28 AO AWARDS
From legendary champions to saucy supporters, there was no shortage of showy winners at AO 2026.
18
RYBAKINA OPENS HER REIGN
Elena Rybakina gained revenge on Aryna Sabalenka in a replay of their AO 2023 title fight.
30 LAST STAN
Farewelled with beers and cheers, former champion Stan Wawrinka felt the love at his 20th and last Australian Open.
32 MERCI LAMONF
French showman Gael Monfils left a wealth of happy memories after his 20th and final Australian Open.
34 ROD LAVER RUNWAY
The AO served up an international fashion moment as Melbourne Park continues to rise up the fashion rankings.
36 DIAMOND DAYS
Newly engaged Maddison Inglis and Jason Kubler had a summer to remember.
52 TENNIS BESTIES
New American No.1 Amanda Anisimova opens up on her friendship with Aussie Priscilla Hon.
REGULARS
7
55 GRADUATING WITH HONOURS
The fast-rising Learner Tien is ticking off life lessons in real time.
58 THE OTHER GRAND SLAMMER
Tennis super fan Christiane Amanpour completed a personal Grand Slam at AO 2026.
68 POLE POSITION
38 AUSSIE SUMMER BREAKOUT
A jubilant Team Poland lifted the United Cup in a third-time lucky final against Switzerland.
Breakthrough wins, brave battles and feel-good milestones made it a summer to remember on home soil.
63 SUMMER DOWN UNDER
Visiting stars were happy to share their Aussie snapshots and off-court memories.
RECLAIM YOUR GAME
AN AO
fo r th e ages
“What he’s doing is inspiring … not only [for] tennis players, but everyone.”
– Carlos Alcaraz on Novak Djokovic
Arecord 16-year age gap separated men’s finalists
Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic as Australian Open 2026 reached its spectacular conclusion.
10-time AO champion, who was contesting an astonishing 38th major final at age 38.
With 22-time major champion Rafael Nadal watching from the front row at Rod Laver Arena, the tableau spoke volumes. It felt less like a passing of the torch than a widening circle – proof that tennis’ top echelon now spans multiple eras at once.
spans multiple eras at once.
It was world No.1 Alcaraz, of course, who made history by completing his Grand Slam collection in Melbourne. The young Spaniard has long cited Nadal as his greatest in uence, yet Djokovic’s records loom equally large – benchmarks Alcaraz, now a seven-time major champion at 22, is steadily beginning to chase.
It was one of several unparalleled milestones Djokovic achieved in his 21st maindraw appearance in Melbourne – alongside a 400th Grand Slam match win and a 104th at the Australian Open. And as Alcaraz graciously noted, the Serbian also silenced doubters with a five-set win over
benchmarks major champion at 22, is steadily and mind through, his whole life, to be playing another Grand Slam final,” said Alcaraz after his
“What he’s doing is inspiring. It’s inspiring for all athletes –not only tennis players, but everyone. What he puts his body and mind through, his whole life, to be playing another Grand Slam final,” said Alcaraz after his 2-6 6-2 6-3 7-5 victory over the
HISTORY MAKERS: Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic and Elena Rybakina each set new milestones in Melbourne.
Jannik Sinner in the semifinals.
“People were saying he wasn’t going to play another Grand Slam final or beat Jannik or myself,” Alcaraz reflected. “But I think he’s ready to keep winning the big tournaments on tour.”
absorbing advice from Djokovic, a long-time idol. A er a straightsets loss to Aryna Sabalenka, the wise-beyond-her-years teenager pointed to lessons learned from the world No.1.
“I think it’s amazing what she’s done for herself in her career. It’s very inspiring,” Jovic said. “I hope to get more chances to play against her.”
The history-making men’s final – matched in quality and significance by Elena Rybakina’s victory over Aryna Sabalenka to claim a first Australian Open – was only part of the intergenerational story at AO 2026.
At 45, Venus Williams was the oldest competitor when she returned for her 22nd campaign and pushed Olga Danilovic to three hard-fought sets in the first round.
Meanwhile, Australian Open champions from each of the past six decades – from Rod Laver and Margaret Court in the 1960s to Andre Agassi, Roger Federer, Jennifer Capriati and Angelique Kerber more recently – made heart-warming returns to the Slam that had, in many cases, changed their lives.
Some coached, others commentated, several competed in exhibitions, while the peerless Djokovic continued to contend at the top of the game.
It was a reminder that every generation lays a foundation for the next one – and that magic can truly happen when those generations meet across the net.
first Australian Open – was only was the oldest competitor her 22nd campaign and old Iva Jovic – still more since Williams in 1998.
There was striking synchronicity as 18-yearold Iva Jovic – still more than nine years from birth when Venus made her AO debut – became the youngest American woman to reach the quarterfinals in Melbourne since Williams in 1998.
All the while, Jovic was
Vivienne Christie Managing Editor
OPENING UP
A smash-hit Opening Ceremony set the scene for a next-level AO 2026, with more than 1.3 million fans flocking to Melbourne Park.
The Australian Open continues to raise the bar among its Grand Slam siblings – this year growing to become a full 21-day spectacle of tennis, food, entertainment, innovation and family fun.
More than 1.3 million fans poured through the gates for the three-week extravaganza, which included the inaugural Opening Ceremony at Rod Laver Arena.
Australian rock royalty Crowded House kicked off the
evening, which celebrated Roger Federer and included an exhibition with former world No.1s Andre Agassi, Pat Rafter, Lleyton Hewitt and Ash Barty.
In its second year, the AO 1 Point Slam o ered a $1 million prize for the rst time. Sydney amateur Jordan Smith scooped the cash over a eld that included the likes of Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gau and a string of celebrity wildcards.
Four nights of star-studded Opening Week Showdowns raised money for charities and
while the world’s top tennis stars narrowed their focus on their respective Grand Slam campaigns, a host of Australian and global acts kept fans entertained across the precinct.
The Kid Laroi, Spacey Jane, The Veronicas, So Tukker, Peggy Gou and Renee Rapp headlined AO Live Presents at John Cain Arena during Finals Week, while Hot Chip, Cassian, Elderbrook and The Presets drew fans to TOPCOURT for sunset gigs during Opening Week.
TOPCOURT, which returned to Birrarung Marr, also
included Game On, a digital gaming pavilion, POP and pickleball courts. In its third year, the reimagined Courtside Bar connected seamlessly with new, elevated views from the Highline over the Western Courts, while The Village offered viewing platforms and bars to watch the world’s best players practise.
From family adventure and waterslides at Ballpark, to bigscreen tennis and the foodie paradise of Grand Slam Oval, the precinct was again an AO summer playground.
FRONT ROW: Players were treated to passionate support.
FESTIVAL OF FUN:
Top tennis, music and events combined to create a special vibe.
SUMMER PLAYGROUND: Grand Slam Oval was a popular vantage point.
SUPER SQUAD: Jasmine Paolini welcomed the AO’s largest ballkids team.
FAN SLAM: A record number of fans brought Melbourne Park to life.
AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2026 HONOUR ROLL
MEN’S SINGLES
[1] Carlos Alcaraz [ESP] d [4] Novak Djokovic [SRB] 2-6 6-2 6-3 7-5
WOMEN’S SINGLES
[5] Elena Rybakina [KAZ ] d [1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 4-6 6-4
MEN’S DOUBLES
WOMEN’S DOUBLES
MIXED DOUBLES
[6] Christian Harrison [USA] /Neal Skupski [GBR] d Jason Kubler/ Marc Polmans [AUS] 7-6(4) 6-4
[4] Elise Mertens [BEL] /Shuai Zhang [CHN] d [ 7 ] Anna Danilina [KAZ ] /Aleksandra Krunic [SRB] 7-6(4) 6-4
BOYS’ SINGLES
GIRLS’ SINGLES
[3] Ksenia Efremova [FRA] d Ekaterina Tupitsyna 6-3 7-5
[1] Alexander Lantermann [BEL] d Matthew Knoesen [GBR] 6-0 6-2
GIRLS’ WHEELCHAIR SINGLES
[1] Luna Gryp [BEL] d [2] Seira Matsuoka [JPN] 6-4 6-4
BOYS’ WHEELCHAIR DOUBLES Alexander Lantermann [BEL] / Lucas De Gouveia [GBR] d Matthew Knoesen [GBR] /Arlo Shawcross [AUS] 6-2 6-3
GIRLS’ WHEELCHAIR DOUBLES [2] Lucy Foyster [GBR] /Seira Matsuoka [JPN] d [1] Luna Gryp [BEL] /Lucy Heald [USA] 6-3 7-5
WINNER: Sydney’s Jordan Smith had a million reasons to smile.
“What I’ve learned is to appreciate and enjoy every single second ... not only lifting the trophies [but to] enjoy and appreciate the life you're living.”
CARLOS ALCARAZ
NEW GROUND:
With a first AO title, Carlos Alcaraz is within reach of a calendaryear Grand Slam.
KING CARLOS ETCHED IN HISTORY
All the greats vividly picture holding a Grand Slam trophy from a young age.
Few, though, gain such a crystal-clear picture of the commemorative tattoo they plan to add once their dream becomes reality.
Earmarked for success early, Carlos Alcaraz has never shied from outlining his ambitions with each milestone passed.
Success came quickly – and with each breakthrough at the respective majors – so too did the body ink.
Even before the Spaniard arrived for his h Australian Open campaign, he repeated a vow that an Australia-speci c tattoo would be added once he completed the career Grand Slam.
Against the most proli c champion at Melbourne Park, Novak Djokovic, the 22-year-old became the youngest man to achieve the feat.
“Every year that I came here to Australia I was thinking about getting the trophy,” Alcaraz said a er he saluted 2-6 6-2 6-3 7-5 over the 24-time major champion.
“Couldn't happen. Couldn't go further than quarter nals.
“You know, [I came] this year, hungry for more, ambitious for getting the trophy, and being strong mentally, not hearing anything or any words from the people. Then just playing good tennis in this tournament means a lot, means the world to me, and it is a dream come true for me.”
Victory was achieved against a backdrop of uncertainty from
Carlos Alcaraz completed his historic Grand Slam set in Melbourne and will commemorate the feat with new body art. BY DAN IMHOFF
those outside his closest group. Doubters questioned whether this would be his year, so soon a er the end of his seven-year coaching relationship with Juan Carlos Ferrero.
It wasn’t until the quarter nals, against sixth seed Alex de Minaur, that Alcaraz really began to hit his straps, and his campaign almost went awry before he survived the longest Australian Open semi nal in history – a cramp-defying vehour, 27-minute triumph over third seed Alexander Zverev.
Few have resisted Father Time quite like his final opponent, Djokovic, who at 38, defied the odds to dethrone Jannik Sinner with his sights set on an improbable 25th Grand Slam crown.
It’s been a long road to redemption for Elena Rybakina.
The 26-year-old, who didn’t make it past the fourth round at any of the Grand Slams in 2025, silenced her skeptics by capturing the Australian Open singles crown.
The rst player representing Kazakhstan to ever hoist a trophy at Melbourne Park, Rybakina earned the second major of her career precisely 1302 days a er li ing the Venus Rosewater Dish at Wimbledon 2022.
“Incredible achievement, [I’m] super happy and proud,” said the demure right-hander a er defeating world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 4-6 6-4 in a thrilling rematch of their AO 2023 nal, which Rybakina lost in three tight sets.
In a memorable battle lasting
RYBAKINA OPENS HER AO REIGN
Shotmaker Elena Rybakina reversed a replay of the AO 2023 final, taking down the top two women to become a
two hours and 18 minutes under the lights at Rod Laver Arena, the h seed recovered from a 0-3 de cit in the third set and ttingly sealed victory with an ace on championship point.
“I didn’t expect to turn it around … Aryna is a very tough opponent,” said Rybakina, who celebrated with a modest st pump and a smile. “I’m super happy that this time I’m holding the trophy.”
As Sabalenka’s most frequent opponent on the women’s tour, Rybakina had a game plan for how to overcome the aggressive top seed in the 15th installment of their rivalry, which began back in 2009: “Just go for it, de nitely not wait for any mistakes or even get to the long rallies.”
It was the correct approach. Sabalenka won seven of the eight rallies that featured
multiple major winner. By GILLIAN TAN
nine strokes or more, while Rybakina crucially edged her favoured rival in shorter points. Encouraged by her team who repeatedly advised her to “Trust yourself, believe in yourself”, Rybakina saved six of eight break points against Sabalenka.
“She played [an] incredible match,” said Sabalenka, who recognised her rival’s recent evolution. “She has more con dence, and she goes for her shots without any doubt.”
evolution. “She has more opportunities, but the level was
Still, the 27-year-old – who struck 35 winners to Rybakina’s 28 during the nal – had regrets. “I feel like I played great, I was ghting, I did my best, and today she was a better player. I still had opportunities, but the level was incredible.”
Rybakina earned the Daphne
Rybakina earned the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup the hard way: she is the rst AO
“I’m super happy that this time I’m holding the trophy ... I have big goals. I’m going to keep on working.”
ELENA RYBAKINA
GRADUATING WITH HONOURS
Backing up his spectacular breakthrough 2025 season with a first Grand Slam quarterfinal at the Australian Open, the increasingly accomplished Learner Tien has moved to the top of the class.
VIVIENNE CHRISTIE reports
Few players have declared their readiness for graduation quite like Learner Tien did last season. From a breakthrough performance with an upset win over Daniil Medvedev at the Australian Open, the young American completed a transformational year with back-to-back title
runs at Metz and the Next Gen ATP Finals.
“I’m very happy with how I was able to start the year kind of emerging and how I was able to kind of end the year making my way,” Tien told Australian Tennis Magazine in Brisbane, where
