AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2026, Melbourne, ATP GRAND SLAM

[Federberg]

I thought Hanfmann plays like Andy Murray ( relatively speaking) in saying that Alcaraz made the match up far too physical and longer than need be.

hmmm interesting... Andy Murray?... I'll have to look again. The only player that flashed in my mind when I watched him was... funnily enough... Tomas Berdych, because of a forehand he hit off the back foot

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

hmmm interesting... Andy Murray?... I'll have to look again. The only player that flashed in my mind when I watched him was... funnily enough... Tomas Berdych, because of a forehand he hit off the back foot

Point taken with Berdych how he hit his fhand off the back foot

 

[El Dude]

Tien does have Michael Chang as one of his coaches, lets see if he can make the necessary improvements that is needed in his game
As far as I am concerned Musetti is really a 'pretender' as No 3 in the live rankings, Lorenzo hasnt won a tournament since 'adam was a boy' yes he did make SFs at GS gaining points, until he actually starts winning a tournament I may take notice,

This has been one of the secondary defining features of the Sincaraz era...the huge drop off to everyone else. If Novak played more, he'd be a strong #3, but due to his limited schedule--and with the declines of Medvedev and perhaps Zverev--the rest of the pack seem like top 10 contenders, not true top 5 elites. I think Draper has that potential, if he can stay healthy. Maybe Shelton, if he can polish his game. But the top 5, or #3-5 rankings, might be a musical chairs for a couple years until someone like Fonseca pops.

 

[El Dude]

In the Big Three era, you always had one or two guys who were regulars in the top 5...Andy, of course, but then guys like Soderling, Del Potro, Ferrer, Wawrinka, and Thiem, all of whom--at least for a time--separated themselves from the "top 10 pack." We just haven't seen a guy taking that in-between role, at least since Zverev has slipped or Medvedev a couple years ago.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

This has been one of the secondary defining features of the Sincaraz era...the huge drop off to everyone else. If Novak played more, he'd be a strong #3, but due to his limited schedule--and with the declines of Medvedev and perhaps Zverev--the rest of the pack seem like top 10 contenders, not true top 5 elites. I think Draper has that potential, if he can stay healthy. Maybe Shelton, if he can polish his game. But the top 5, or #3-5 rankings, might be a musical chairs for a couple years until someone like Fonseca pops.

I agree with Draper, only concern is if he can stay healthy, Shelton needs to polish his game.
I think we all will have to wait a few more years when hopefully Fonseca pops, in saying that he has the game, until then 'musical chairs it is for the # 3-5 rankings"

 

[britbox]

Order of Play 22 Jan 2026

 

[britbox]

Highlights Day 4 - 21 Jan

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Fun Fact,
Stan Wawrinka WC is bidding to become the first player aged 40 or over to reach the men's singles 3rd round at a Grand Slam since Ken Rosewall at the 1978 AO, he faces 21 yo French qualifier Arthur Gea

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Machac continues his good form and defeats Tsitsipas ( 31) 64 36 76(5) 76(5)

Cilic in a straight sets win over Shapovalov (21) 64 63 62

American Ethan Quinn continues his solid form defeating Hurkacz in straight sets 64 76(5) 61

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

In a match that lasted 4 and 1/2 hours Stan Wawrinka out lasted and out played his 21 yo opponent French Q Arthur Geo in 5 sets, he was down 2 sets to 1, fighting like he was 28
Wawrinka d Geo 46 63 36 57 10-3
Well done Stan!!

 

[PhiEaglesfan712]

Cilic in a straight sets win over Shapovalov (21) 64 63 62

Cilic ties Goran Ivanisevic's career match wins total, and is now one win away from 600 career match wins.

Also, Djokovic won in straight sets 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 over Maestrelli, putting him one win away from 400 match wins at the slams and tying Federer's AO match wins record.

 

[britbox]

In a match that lasted 4 and 1/2 hours Stan Wawrinka out lasted and out played his 21 yo opponent French Q Arthur Geo in 5 sets, he was down 2 sets to 1, fighting like he was 28
Wawrinka d Geo 46 63 36 57 10-3
Well done Stan!!

Bravo Stan. I've been out most of the day and just catching up on the Swiss exploits.

 

[El Dude]

It is the first time Stan's reached the R32 of a Slam since the US Open in 2023. It probably ends with Fritz, but a nice little run for him.

 

[Federberg]

that's the thing with the Stanimal, he builds and builds. He'll probably lose to Fritz, but I wouldn't be shocked if he plays even better. That's what he was like in his pomp. He's like a snowball gathering power through the early rounds and can get darn near unstoppable if the mood takes him. Would love to see another one of those runs, but alas...

 

[don_fabio]

Stan is a legend. People just love him. I was picking up my rackets in the string shop and it was a TB in the 5th. There was a couple of guys there and everyone was watching and cheering for the old man.

Cilic is also looking dangerous. Wouldn't be surprised if he takes out Ruud.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Stan is a legend. People just love him. I was picking up my rackets in the string shop and it was a TB in the 5th. There was a couple of guys there and everyone was watching and cheering for the old man.

Cilic is also looking dangerous. Wouldn't be surprised if he takes out Ruud.

Don Hi!
I agree Cilic is playing well and I too wont be surprised if he defeats Ruud, btw Ruud is on 'baby watch' if his wife goes into labour he will fly home ASAP, so Marin could get a walkover to the next round.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

" The emotions are really completely different. It's a feeling thats tough to describe.But its the reason why at 40 I'm still pushing myself, pushing the limit, practicing hard in the off season, its to live those moments"
Wawrinka after his 5 set win.
BTW,
Wawrinka's is up to No 105 in the live ATP rankings after his R2 win at the AO, he may not need wild cards to get into other majors in his career finale season if he can keep that ranking up.

 

[britbox]

Order of Play - 23 Jan 2026

 

[britbox]

Highlight Reels - Day 5 (22 Jan 2026)

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Just a memo to Alcaraz,

This is your first meeting with Moutet, quite frankly he should not be in the draw, if Aussie Tristan Schoolgate didnt fall for his limping on court and focused on his own game he should have defeated him in the previous round. Aussie commentators like Todd Woodbridge also had a go at Tristan for losing.
We all know his tricks on court, dont lose your focus Carlos, and play your own game.