&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "Australian Open 2026: Djokovic-Sinner clash projected for semis, Alcaraz to start against home favourite Walton")
The draws for the Australian Open 2026 were released on Thursday (Jan 15) as 10-time champion Novak Djokovic is all set for a semifinal bout with Jannik Sinner. The heavyweight clash will be a repeat of the 2025 Wimbledon semifinal as the two are drawn on the same side. On the other hand, Carlos Alcaraz will look to complete his career Grand Slam at the Australian Open as he takes on home favourite Adam Walton in the opening round.
Djokovic-Sinner projected for semis
If all goes according to plan, both Sinner and Djokovic will meet at the semis, having last clashed against one another at the Rod Laver Arena in the 2024 semis. Sinner became just the eighth man at that time to beat the 10-time Australian Open champion in the opening slam of the calendar year. Interestingly, Sinner has won the last five meetings between the duo.
World number one Alcaraz opens against home hope Adam Walton in his bid for a career Grand Slam and first Melbourne Park title. The Spanish superstar is on the same side of the draw as last year's beaten finalist Alexander Zverev and is scheduled to meet him in the last four.
Italy's Sinner saw off Germany's Zverev in straight sets in last year's final and went on to add the Wimbledon and ATP Finals crowns to his growing collection.
"The draw is very difficult; it doesn't matter who you play," said Sinner at the draw ceremony.
Trending Stories
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
Delhi Consumer Court fines Indian Railways Rs 25,000 for making RAC passengers share one blanket
)
Who is Ruchika Singh, booked for using foul language against PM Modi at Jantar Mantar protests?
)
60,000 migrants from Morocco flood Spain's Ceuta, EU calls influx unacceptable, Trump warns US
)
'I was almost trafficked in Paris,' says Australian woman, shares terrifying ordeal - 'I am on the black market'
)
More than 100 Israeli soldiers walk out of base, chant slogans in an 'act of rebellion' | Watch
)
WWE SummerSlam 2026 Match Card: Night 1 & Night 2 schedule, main events & full lineup
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
)
Pakistan avalanche: Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja confirmed dead
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet the next gen of South Cinema: From Rajinikanth's grandson to CM Vijay's son, star kids ready for debut
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Fifth-generation fighters': Can the S-400 shoot down an F-35?
)
Indian govt clarifies foodgrain use for ethanol production, says 'E20 saved ₹30/litre on petrol prices' during global oil shock
)
NEET Protests riddled with misinformation? Delhi Police blocks 480 Pakistan-based handles spreading 'fake news' since Operation Sindoor
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 openers with fastest ODI centuries, check who tops list
)
Russian e-retailer Ozon comes under Ukrainian drone attack amid Russia-Ukraine war
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why are iPhones so expensive compared to Android phones?
)
Mysterious structures uncovered beneath the Amazon show millions of humans once lived here
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters in latest ICC ODI rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
)
Jared Leto controversy: Dylan Sprouse's old tweet resurfaces amid sexual assault allegations
)
Salman Khan enters Alliance to support brother, Sohail, netizens hail, 'tomorrow’s episode is going to be MASSIVE'
)
‘Satanic’ chainsaw-wielding rescue bot leaves internet divided: ‘Those eyes are horrifying’
)
Massive explosion at Moscow restaurant kills at least 3; woman suspected of carrying bomb
)
"Am I Worthy?" Ranbir Kapoor addresses backlash over playing Lord Ram in Ramayana: Part 1
)
Are you an Indian on an H-1B visa? New US bill could make getting Green Card easier
)
US offers $15mn reward to dismantle alleged IRGC drone funding network
)
Ariana Grande's Petal video fuels debate as fans voice concern over her appearance
)
Have 7,000 Karnataka students tested positive for HIV? Here's the truth
)
Kim Kardashian shares sweet moment with boyfriend Lewis Hamilton during summer vacation
)
Buying Russian oil could cost India dearly? MEA breaks silence on US 100% tariff bill
)
'Delimitation designed to disenfranchise Tamil Nadu': Rahul Gandhi urges parties to oppose Bill
)
Hrithik Roshan reacts to 'sorry Hrithik' trend, Kangana Ranaut slams him, mentions Saba Azad: 'You are in a committed relationship'
)
Nearly Rs 29 crore cash, 15 kg gold found at ex-bus driver's house in West Bengal
)
At least 3 killed in mass shooting at Idaho restaurant, shocking video of gunman open firing with AR-style rifle surfaces
)
German anatomist 'Dr Death's' family to grant his creepy last wish
"We are the best players in the world and the way is very, very long and very far. We will go day-by-day."
In the women's draw, American defending champion Madison Keys will take on Ukraine's Oleksandra Oliynykova while world number one Aryna Sabalenka kicks off against French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah. Keys stunned the title-holder Sabalenka 12 months ago in a classic three-set final to win her first major title aged 29.
But she failed to kick on from there, not winning another tournament all year, and Keys, the world number nine, will have a target on her back as champion. Sabalenka and world number three Coco Gauff are on the same side of the draw and will meet in the semi-finals if they make it that far.
