Sinner Drawn Against Gaston as Sabalenka Faces French Wildcard in Australian Open Opener
The 2026 Australian Open draw has delivered intriguing first-round matchups for several of the sport’s biggest names, including defending men’s champion Jannik Sinner being paired with France’s Hugo Gaston and women’s top seed Aryna Sabalenka set to begin her campaign against French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga. With potential blockbuster clashes on the horizon, the paths ahead for the title favourites promise drama from the opening day of the year’s first Grand Slam.
At the Melbourne Park draw ceremony, Sinner — bidding for a third straight Australian Open crown — learned he will open against Gaston, a crafty left-hander ranked outside the top 90, while Sabalenka’s first test comes against an exciting French wildcard in Rakotomanga. The draw also set early rounds for other top seeds: Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff all know their starting opponents, shaping a competitive landscape that mixes established champions, rising stars and potential early surprises.
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Sinner’s Title Defence Begins Against Gaston
Defending men’s champion Jannik Sinner will kick off his 2026 Australian Open campaign against Hugo Gaston of France in the first round, a matchup that pits a ranked favourite against a tricky and unpredictable opponent. Gaston, known for his finesse and variety, presents a stylistic contrast to Sinner’s power and consistency, promising an intriguing early test for the Italian.
Sinner is targeting an unprecedented third consecutive title at Melbourne Park, a feat that would further solidify his status among tennis’ elite. With a potential clash against top players looming in later rounds, starting strong against Gaston will be key for Sinner as he navigates a draw filled with depth and talent.
Sabalenka Draws Wildcard in Women’s Opener
Top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka will begin her Australian Open journey against French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga, a player granted special entry into the main draw. While wildcards can often spring surprises, Sabalenka’s status as world number one and her powerful game make her a clear favourite to progress. Sabalenka’s path could see her face higher-seeded contenders in the middle rounds, including a potential semifinal meeting with Coco Gauff. For now, though, her focus will be on clearing the first hurdle, using the early match to build momentum and adapt to the Melbourne conditions.
Other Seeded Matches Shape the Draw
The rest of the men’s draw offers its own storylines: top seed Carlos Alcaraz will play Australia’s Adam Walton in his opener, while four-time champion Novak Djokovic, seeded fourth, faces Spaniard Pedro Martinez. These early clashes set the stage for potential heavyweight meetings later in the fortnight. On the women’s side, second seed Iga Swiatek will take on a qualifier in her first match, and third seed Coco Gauff is slated to face Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova. Defending women’s champion Madison Keys also has a challenging opener against Ukrainian Oleksandra Oliynykova, highlighting the depth and competitiveness of the field.
Context for the 2026 Australian Open
The 2026 Australian Open marks the first Grand Slam of the tennis season and carries added significance as players seek early momentum and ranking points. With defending champions and top seeds spread through the draw, the event promises a blend of marquee showdowns and breakout opportunities for up-and-coming talents. As the tournament gets underway, all eyes will be on how the defending champions — particularly Sinner and Sabalenka — handle their initial tests and whether they can navigate a demanding schedule toward the later rounds.
