Australian Open 2026 Women's Preview: Power and Redemption

Australian Open 2026 Women's Preview: Power and Redemption

The 2026 Australian Open women's draw features one of the deepest and most unpredictable fields in recent Grand Slam history. With multiple champions, rising stars, and compelling storylines, the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup is genuinely up for grabs.

Aryna Sabalenka: Mission Redemption

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka enters Melbourne on a mission. After winning WTA Player of the Year honors in 2025 - a season where she captured her second US Open and reached three of four Grand Slam finals - one match still haunts her.

Last year's Australian Open final saw Madison Keys demolish Sabalenka in one of the greatest power-hitting displays in tournament history. The Belarusian has reached the final in each of the last three years in Melbourne, winning in 2023 and 2024 before Keys ended her reign.

Sabalenka's game has never been more complete. Her physical dominance, improved mental toughness, and championship experience make her the statistical favorite. Her recent Brisbane International title suggests she's peaking at exactly the right time.

This is Sabalenka's tournament to lose.

Madison Keys: Defending Glory

Can lightning strike twice? Madison Keys returns as the No. 7 seed and defending champion, hoping to replicate her stunning 2025 run that delivered her maiden Grand Slam title.

Keys' victory over Sabalenka wasn't a fluke - it was a masterclass in aggressive tennis. Her massive serve and flat forehand overwhelmed the world No. 1 in straight sets. If she rediscovers that form in the Melbourne heat, she's proven capable of hitting anyone off the court.

The pressure of defending a first major title is immense. Keys must navigate that burden while facing a target on her back from every opponent in the draw.

Iga Swiatek: The Missing Piece

Iga Swiatek silenced doubters in 2025 by conquering Wimbledon with a dominant 6-0, 6-0 final victory.

The Australian Open remains the only major where she hasn't reached a final since 2022, and the only surface where her game hasn't translated to championship form.

As the No. 2 seed, Swiatek brings superior movement and tactical variety that could neutralize the power-hitters who typically dominate Melbourne. Her French Open pedigree proves she can handle pressure on the sport's biggest stages.

Can she finally crack the Melbourne code?

The Rising Star

Amanda Anisimova enjoyed the most meteoric rise in women's tennis during 2025. Voted WTA Most Improved Player, she rocketed from outside the top 30 to World No. 4 after reaching finals at both Wimbledon and the US Open.

Her effortless power and clean ball-striking have made her a fan favorite. Many analysts believe 2026 is the year she breaks through for her first Grand Slam title. At 22, she's entering her prime years with nothing to lose and everything to gain.

The Australian Hope

Maya Joint makes her debut as a seeded player, marking a new era for Australian women's tennis. The home crowd will be firmly behind the young Aussie as she looks to make a deep run at Melbourne Park.

The Bottom Line

This Australian Open women's draw has no clear favorite. Sabalenka's power. Keys' firepower. Swiatek's craftiness. Anisimova's potential. Gauff's grit.

When the dust settles on February 1, we'll know who seized the moment. That's what makes this tournament unmissable.

With Punters Republic's deadline being midway through the tournament, it is best to leave your selection until as late as possible to maximise your chances!