Australian Open 2026 Draw: This time, Djokovic and Sinner meet in semis
A potential semi-final meeting between Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic highlights the 2026 Australian Open men’s draw, with both champions avoiding world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz until the final.
Novak Djokovic, Australian Open 2026 | © Zuma / PsNewz
The 2026 Australian Open draw was officially set on Thursday in the presence of the 2025 winners, Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys. We now know the path that might prevent the men’s Tour from seeing a fourth consecutive Alcaraz–Sinner Grand Slam final.
Djokovic in Sinner’s half
Novak Djokovic (No. 4) and Jannik Sinner (No. 2) have been placed in the same half. Unlike 2025, where the two titans were kept apart until the final, where Zverev finally benefited from Djokovic’s retirement to reach the final, the 10-time champion and the two-time defending champion are now on a direct collision course for a blockbuster semifinal.
This mirrors their encounters at Roland-Garros and Wimbledon last year, as well as the 2024 Australian Open, where power famously changed hands.
This placement leaves Carlos Alcaraz (No. 1) and Alexander Zverev (No. 3) to battle through the top half. The distribution of the top eight seeds suggests a tournament of contrasting styles.
Expected quarter-finals : Shelton in Sinner’s part
In the top half, Carlos Alcaraz is projected to meet home favorite Alex de Minaur (6) in the quarterfinals. Alcaraz is chasing a Career Grand Slam (and a 7th major titile), while De Minaur arrives with a career-high ranking, buoyed by the hopes of a nation.
The other top-half quarterfinal features Alexander Zverev (3), the 2025 runner-up, likely facing Félix Auger-Aliassime (7), who was eliminated in the race for the ATP Finals semifinals last November.
In the bottom half, the “Half of Death” features Novak Djokovic (4) potentially meeting Lorenzo Musetti (5) in the quarterfinals, a rematch of several grueling battles from the previous season, most notably the recent ATP 250 in Athens.
Meanwhile, the second seed Jannik Sinner (2) is slated to face Ben Shelton (8), who reached the semifinals in 2025.
Projected quarterfinals
- Carlos Alcaraz (1) vs. Alex de Minaur (6)
- Alexander Zverev (3) vs. Félix Auger-Aliassime (7)
- Novak Djokovic (4) vs. Lorenzo Musetti (5)
- Jannik Sinner (2) vs. Ben Shelton (8)
Most expected first rounds
The opening round has produced several “popcorn” matches where rankings will offer little protection to the seeds.
De Minaur – Berrettini
Alex de Minaur (No. 6) facing Matteo Berrettini (No. 56) is a nightmare draw for the local hero. De Minaur is at the peak of his powers, but Berrettini remains one of the most dangerous floaters in tennis. The Italian’s “Hammer” forehand and massive serve are perfectly suited for the quick surfaces of Melbourne Park. For De Minaur, this isn’t just a match; it’s a high-pressure survival test against a former Grand Slam finalist who has nothing to lose.
Zverev – Diallo
Alexander Zverev (No. 3) vs. Gabriel Diallo (No. 41) is another dangerous opening. Zverev often takes time to find his rhythm in the first week of a Major, and Diallo is a specialist in disruption. The 6’8″ Canadian has a wingspan that makes passing shots nearly impossible and a flat, penetrating backhand. Zverev will need to be sharp from the first point to avoid a repeat of the early-round scares that have occasionally plagued his Grand Slam campaigns.
Dimitrov – Machac
A clash between Grigor Dimitrov (No. 45) and Tomas Machac (No. 35) features two of the cleanest ball-strikers on tour. Dimitrov, currently unseeded but still possessing top-10 shot-making, faces a Machac who famously defeated him in Vienna late in 2024. Machac’s relentless pace and ability to take the ball on the rise will test whether Dimitrov’s legendary slice can still neutralize modern power.
Wawrinka – Djere
Meanwhile, Stan Wawrinka (WC) vs. Laslo Djere (No. 91) carries heavy emotional weight. Wawrinka has indicated that 2026 will be his final lap on the professional circuit. Returning to the site of his 2014 glory, he faces the gritty Djere in a test of endurance and legacy.
Hurkacz – Bergs
Hubert Hurkacz (No. 53) vs. Zizou Bergs (No. 43) sees the Pole as the “name to avoid” in the unseeded pack. Despite a ranking drop following injury, his serve remains a feared weapon, as seen in his dominant 10-ace-per-set average during the United Cup.
Djokovic – Martinez
Novak Djokovic (No. 4) begins his quest and 2026 season for an unprecedented 25th Major against Pedro Martinez (No. 71). While the Spaniard is known for his clay-court prowess, his tenacity will force Djokovic into long, physical exchanges early on.
Shelton – Humbert
Finally, Ben Shelton (No. 8) meets Ugo Humbert (No. 36) in perhaps the most anticipated tactical rematch of the round. This is a direct callback to the UTS Frankfurt 2024 final, where Shelton’s raw power eventually wore down the Frenchman’s lefty finesse.
