Australian Open 2026 women’s draw: Keys’s grueling path to a Melbourne repeat
Defending champion Madison Keys (No. 9) faces an imposing American gauntlet and a potential semifinal rematch with Iga Swiatek (No. 2) as the 2026 Australian Open draw sets the stage for a fortnight of heavyweight collisions
Aryna Sabalenka and Madison Keys, Brisbane 2026 | © Zuma / PsNewz
The 2026 Australian Open women’s draw has set the stage for a dramatic fortnight at Melbourne Park, with defending champion Madison Keys (No. 9) facing a grueling path to retain her crown.
Keys potentially faces Amanda Anisimiva (No.4) or Jessica Pegula (No. 6) in the round of 16 and a quarterfinal clash against the resurgent Amanda Anisimova (No. 4). Should she survive that American gauntlet, a semifinal rematch against world No. 2 Iga Swiatek looms, echoing their high-stakes encounter from the 2025 tournament.
Keys will open her campaign against Oleksandra Oliynykova (No. 90), a tricky first-round opponent who has climbed the rankings significantly over the last year.
Sabalenka – Raducanu third round ?
Elsewhere in the draw, several blockbuster matchups are already on the horizon for the second week. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka could face a stern test as early as the third round against Emma Raducanu (No. 29), provided both navigate their opening matches.
Iga Swiatek (No. 2) is on a collision course with Naomi Osaka (No. 16) for a heavy-hitting round of 16 showdown, while Elena Rybakina (No. 5) is projected to meet the returning Belinda Bencic (No. 10) at the same stage.
Projected quarterfinals
- Aryna Sabalenka (1) vs. Jasmine Paolini (7)
- Coco Gauff (3) vs. Mirra Andreeva (8)
- Amanda Anisimova (4) vs. Jessica Pegula (6)
- Iga Swiatek (2) vs. Elena Rybakina (5)
The opening round features several “must-watch” matches that could result in early exits for seeded players.
Karolina Muchova (No. 19) faces a difficult start against the tenacious Jaqueline Cristian (No. 37), a match that will test Muchova’s fitness and rhythm. In a battle of generations, Olga Danilovic (No. 68) takes on the legendary Venus Williams, who continues to defy time on the Grand Slam stage.
Another high-quality encounter sees Diana Shnaider (No. 23) face off against the 2021 French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova (No. 55), while Belinda Bencic (No. 10) returns to major action against the top-ranked Brit Katie Boulter (No. 113).
Finally, Sorana Cirstea will meet the in-form Eva Lys (No. 39), who recently reached a career-high ranking and will be looking to make a deep run in Melbourne, one year after her run til the fourth round as a lucky loser.
