New Tennis Season Kicks Off Amid Coaching Changes and Emerging Challenges
Carlos Alcaraz and his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero have parted ways after seven years, marking the season's biggest storyline. Alcaraz returns as the world No. 1 and heads to the Australian Open in Melbourne on January 12, aiming to become the youngest man to win all four majors.
Jannik Sinner remains a top rival, with a strong 2025 season fueling his bid for a career Grand Slam at the French Open. Novak Djokovic, now 38, continues to compete at a high level but faces challenges due to age, particularly in best-of-five matches; he has his sights set on the 2028 Olympics.
Other leading men’s contenders this season include Alexander Zverev, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Alex de Minaur, Lorenzo Musetti, Ben Shelton, and Taylor Fritz.
On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka ended 2025 as the year-end No. 1 but faced scrutiny after reaching nine finals and losing five. Iga Swiatek is pursuing a career Grand Slam starting with the Australian Open. Coco Gauff invested her off-season working on her serve with biomechanics coach Gavin MacMillan and remains a major challenger following her French Open victory. Mirra Andreeva, aged 18, is seen as a promising talent with more to prove.
Off the court, tennis sees ongoing legal battles involving the Professional Tennis Players Association and tennis governing bodies, with a possible settlement with Tennis Australia expected in early 2026. There are increasing calls for a greater share of Grand Slam revenues for players. Meanwhile, Wimbledon’s All England Lawn Tennis Club expansion project is encountering legal obstacles.
