Tomorrow marks the start of the main draw for the 2026 Australian Open. As you may have read before, I’m a racket sports fanatic. I played badminton for 20+ years, tennis for 5 years, and ping pong on and off (though not competitively). Something about the ‘small’ ball and rackets simply resonates with me.
The ATP Rivalry: Sinner vs. Alcaraz
This year, I am most excited to watch the rivalry between the two greats of the sport: Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
Jannik is favored on hardcourts, while Carlos is chasing his dream to become the youngest player ever to win a Career Grand Slam. My money is on Jannik to take it this time. Carlos’s mental game is not quite there yet—perhaps because it is something he wants so badly, the pressure weighs heavier.
The WTA Favorites: Iga and Sabalenka
On the WTA side, my favorite player is Iga Świątek. Something about her extreme Western forehand, her playfulness, and her genuine love for the sport makes me want to root for her.
I do admire Aryna Sabalenka, though I admit the grunting can make her matches hard to watch with the volume up!