High-profile absences open new opportunities for Carlos Alcaraz
Rune, ranked 15th in the world, is out of the circuit after tearing his Achilles tendon in October and undergoing surgery, keeping him away from the Australian Open.
This positions Carlos Alcaraz as one of the main favorites, alongside Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, to compete for the title.
Alcaraz career, already impressive with a record of victories and consistency, takes on an even more strategic dimension with a high-level competitor like Rune out of the picture.
🚨 JUST IN: The men’s and women’s singles main draw entry lists for the 2026 Australian Open have been released. pic.twitter.com/PB43GAXyEn
— The First Serve (@TheFirstServeAU) December 9, 2025
On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka leads the list, while players such as Ons Jabeur and Danielle Collins are absent.
This sets up an intriguing scenario where every match becomes decisive, and every move could shape the tournament’s narrative.
For Alcaraz, these conditions could represent the perfect opportunity to assert his dominance from the very start of 2026.
Alcaraz sets his sights on a major goal
Carlos Alcaraz has made it clear that his primary goal for the new season is to conquer the Australian Grand Slam and add another trophy to his growing collection.
In a recent interview, he admitted: “In 2026, I would rather win Australia alone than win two Grand Slams in a row. My goal is to complete a career Grand Slam.”
This statement highlights the ambition of the 22-year-old Spaniard, who aims to surpass idols like Rafael Nadal and establish himself as a leading figure in world tennis.
Recently, Alcaraz showcased his form at the Miami Tennis Invitational, defeating rising Brazilian star João Fonseca in a tight match that demonstrated his endurance and adaptability.
