Sinner Begins Confident Quest for Historic Three‑Peat at Melbourne Park

Jannik Sinner has arrived in Melbourne with a calm but unmistakable confidence as he prepares to defend his Australian Open crown for the third consecutive year. The World No. 2 enters the 2026 tournament as the two‑time reigning champion, having lifted the trophy in both 2024 and 2025. His strong recent form, including multiple late‑season titles, has reinforced expectations that he remains one of the top contenders for the year’s first Grand Slam.

Sinner opens his campaign against France’s Hugo Gaston, a player he has defeated in all previous tour‑level meetings. His projected path through the draw includes potential matchups with rising Brazilian talent João Fonseca in the third round, Karen Khachanov in the fourth, and American Ben Shelton or Casper Ruud in the quarterfinals. A highly anticipated semifinal clash with 10‑time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic looms as a possibility, continuing one of the sport’s most compelling modern rivalries.

The Italian arrives with a 22–4 career record at the tournament and a 14‑match winning streak at Melbourne Park, having not lost a match there since 2023. Analysts note that his improved net play, dominant hard‑court statistics, and consistency under pressure position him strongly for another deep run.

While the draw presents challenges, Sinner’s preparation, experience, and recent dominance on hard courts have fueled optimism within his camp. As the tournament begins on 18 January, he stands on the brink of becoming only the second man in the Open Era—after Novak Djokovic—to win three straight Australian Open singles titles.