Ex-ATP Pro Convinced No One Other Than Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz Can Win 2026 Australian Open: “Difficult to Imagine”

Jannik Sinner will be eyeing the three-peat at the Australian Open, while Carlos Alcaraz will be bidding to complete the Career Grand Slam.

Ex-ATP Pro Convinced No One Other Than Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz Can Win 2026 Australian Open: “Difficult to Imagine”

Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz (Image via X/Jannik Sinner HQ, Carlos Alcaraz 4K)

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Although Novak Djokovic has reached the twilight of his career, it is still difficult to write him off in Grand Slam events, given that, in spite of his age, he made the semifinals of all four Majors this year. But this season, only two players emerged as champions in the Grand Slam events: Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

The two youngsters, in fact, are the only players who have won the Majors since the 2024 season. Which is why Paolo Bertolucci, a former player from Italy, is finding it difficult to see beyond the World No.1 and the World No.2 when it comes to picking favorites for the Australian Open.

The Australian Open is the Grand Slam tournament that, more than any other, can determine the course of a season: a victory on the scorching hard courts of Melbourne Park immediately puts you in a good position, gives you momentum, and defines your season. At the moment, the picture is quite clear: Sinner and Alcaraz are the overwhelming favorites in every tournament they enter, and especially after the last three Grand Slam tournaments, where they have battled for the title, it is difficult to imagine a third contender being able to stand in their way.

Paolo Bertolucci told La Gazzetta dello Sport

Sinner will be chasing a third consecutive title at Melbourne, while Alcaraz’s goal will be to complete the Career Grand Slam. The former went past Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev in the finals of the previous two Australian Opens, while Alcaraz’s run ended in the quarterfinals in the previous two seasons: he lost to Zverev in 2024 and to Djokovic this year.

Sinner and Alcaraz also met in the finals of the previous three Grand Slam events. At Roland Garros, the tennis world witnessed the first Major final between the arch-rivals, and it only perhaps gave a glimpse of what everyone should expect when the two are in a Grand Slam title clash.

Alcaraz came from two sets down, saving three match points in the fourth set to defend his title, but Sinner took his revenge with a four-set win in the Wimbledon final. But he failed to defend his US Open title, losing the match in four sets.

Juan Carlos Ferrero reveals details about his failed contract deal with Carlos Alcaraz

Juan Carlos Ferrero, during his interview with Marca, was asked whether, before deciding not to renew his contract, he had told Carlos Alcaraz about his decision. Ferrero revealed Alcaraz knew about the chaotic situation, and he chose not to involve his now ex-protege in the failed contract negotiation drama.

Juan Carlos Ferrero, Carlos Alcaraz (2)
Juan Carlos Ferrero, Carlos Alcaraz (Image via X/Game, Set & Talk)

No. I spoke with him beforehand to ask if he was aware of everything, and he said yes. From then on, I spoke with the people I needed to speak with. I left him out of it because I understood he was aware of everything. If we couldn’t reach an agreement, well, his people would look out for him, and I’d look out for mine. It’s normal that he’s on his side, of course.

Samuel Lopez will be coaching Alcaraz in the Australian Open. It’s uncertain whether Alcaraz will hire another individual as his main coach. Lopez joined the 22-year-old’s team last year. Alcaraz, during his seven-year partnership with Ferrero, won his 24 ATP titles, including his six Majors, and also reached the No.1 ranking.

Ferrero, during that aforementioned interview with Marca, said he won’t be back on tour as a coach at least in the near future. Before coaching Alcaraz, Ferrero was in the entourage of Alexander Zverev, but the partnership did not last more than seven months. The 45-year-old had joined Alcaraz’s team back in 2019.

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