Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner recently shared his insights on preparing for the Australian Open, highlighting the importance of acclimatizing to the match environment before adding new elements to his game. Sinner, who is comfortable with the pressures of defending his title, understands what it takes to maintain success at such a prestigious tournament.
As he gears up for the AO 2026, Sinner reflects on his previous experiences and the conditions he will face, emphasizing that the initial matches are crucial for regaining that competitive feeling.
American player Madison Keys, who stunned many last year by defeating Aryna Sabalenka to clinch her first major title at the Australian Open, is also looking to refine her skills coming into AO 2026. After recently competing in the Brisbane International, where she lost to Sabalenka in the quarterfinals, Keys is determined to push boundaries in her game.
“I want to force myself to be a little bit uncomfortable on court and try to implement some of the things we’re working on, even when it gets tough,” Keys explained. Her off-season focus has been on evolving her play style, learning new strategies, and working hard to apply them in match situations.
As she embarks on her title defense, Keys will face Ukrainian Oleksandra Oliynykova in the first round. The experience of competing as a defending champion offers a unique challenge, and fans are eagerly anticipating how both Sinner and Keys will adapt and rise to this occasion. This year’s Australian Open promises to be an exciting tournament, with both players showcasing their growth and determination on the court.