2026 predictions: First major title? Biggest rankings mover? What’s next for Novak?

As the dust settles on 2025 Grand Slam season, attention moves to Australian Open 2026 and beyond. Supercoach Nicole Pratt and analyst to the stars Simon Rea join Brie and Xave to give their long-range predictions for the upcoming season, including who will win their first Grand Slam title, who will be the biggest rankings mover and who will be the breakout social media star of 2026? Duncan McKenzie-McHarg chats with US Open two-time champions Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz, while the panel discusses how high Amanda Anisimova and Felix Auger-Aliassime can climb. Podcastfavourite Storm Hunter checks from Mexico in after her first singles win back from Achilles surgery. And Victoria Rudnikov and Rhys de Deugd preview Australia’s Davis Cup tie against Belgium in Sydney (TICKETS).AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carlos Alcaraz took his game to another level by beating Jannik Sinner in the US Open Final. Brett Thomas is joined by Aussie tennis legend Todd Woodbridge to discuss whether anyone can challenge the new ‘Big Two’ in the men’s game. Aryna Sabalenka capped her year with victory in New York, but watch out for the powerful Amanda Anisimova in the future. Plus, a look-ahead to AO26 and a take-down of the tournament's "petty crims". AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the business end of the US Open with the finalists locked in with Brett Thomas and Anthony Morabito breaking down the semifinals. The women’s semis go the distance as Amanda Anisimova powers past Naomi Osaka in three sets. Aryna Sabalenka’s timeout changes her match with Jessica Pegula. The men’s semis didn’t go to five sets but we got the final the fans were expecting. Is Jannik Sinner carrying an injury ahead of another showdown with Carlos Alcaraz? AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Novak Djokovic is two wins from an historic 25th Grand Slam singles title, but standing in his way are the best two players in the world, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Naomi Osaka is back in the last four of a major for the first time since her Australian Open 2021 triumph and now faces in-form American Amanda Anisimova who's turned the tables on her Wimbledon nemesis Iga Swiatek to reach her third major semifinal. Xave is joined by Aussie star Jaimee Fourlis, analyst Levi Huddleston and social media producer Rhys de Deugd to discuss some of the biggest stories from week 2, while Duncan and Candy check in with the latest from the grounds of Flushing Meadows. Plus, an update on the US Open Fantasy Draft and the panel recasts some of their favourite New York sitcoms with ATP and WTA players. AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s getting down to the business end of the US Open and seven-time doubles champion John Fitzgerald joins Brett Thomas to wrap the fourth round. Fitzy’s been a big critic of Felix Auger-Aliassime, is this the year the Canadian lives up to the hype? Or will Alex de Minaur send him packing and make his first slam semi? They discuss whether Naomi Osaka is back to her grand slam winning best after a statement victory over Coco Gauff and will Novak Djokovic mic drop if he wins a 25th major?  AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we enter the second week of the US Open, Brett Thomas is joined by AO doubles finalist Luke Saville to discuss the highlight matches of round three. Naomi Osaka sets up a blockbuster showdown with Coco Gauff, Alex de Minaur edges closer to another quarter final, Felix Auger-Aliassime takes his first top-5 scalp and is Novak Djokovic flying under the radar? Plus, ‘Stocks Up, Stocks Down’: does Luke have an issue with underarm serves?   AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian tennis star Daria Saville joins Brett Thomas on the Tennis Mini to review round two in New York. She’s not surprised about Jelena Ostapenko’s fiery end to her match with Taylor Townsend. Can Daria Kasatkina continue her hot form? Iga Swiatek’s reaction to bizarre press conference questions. And what’s the funny smell that bothered Casper Ruud?    AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s no time for rest in the city that never sleeps. The US Open is in full swing and Aussie tennis star Daria Saville, and comedian, Host of the Last Leg and Tennis Australia’s Minister for Every Body, Adam Hills, join Brie and Xave to dissect the big stories to come out of the Big Apple. The panel reacts to Medvedev’s first round crash out against Bonzi, the Aussies making waves at Flushing Meadows, and Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement infiltrating the tennis world. Plus, we discuss Sharapova and the Bryan brothers being inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame and see who’s leading the US Open Fantasy Draft. AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The photographer who caused chaos during Daniil Medvedev’s match, gatecrashes our podcast. Brett Thomas and Anthony Morabito discuss the standout matches at the First Round of the US Open. Alexandra Eala's historic win for the Philippines as other bolters from outside the big tennis nations make their mark. Coco Gauff survives a three-set scare. Stocks up or down, on Carlos Alcaraz buzz cut, Venus Williams wildcard and Frances Tiafoe’s wardrobe?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US Open Fan Week has kicked off following a hot week in Cincinnati. Brie and Xave are joined by Aussie tennis star Thanasi Kokkinakis and Australian Open head ballkid supervisor Stevie Bishop to break down the biggest headlines coming out of the North American swing. Our panel reacts to Sinner sick during the Cincinnati final against Alcaraz, Errani and Vavassori defending their US Open mixed doubles title against a stacked field, and Swiatek's rise back to world No.2. Plus, the Fantasy Draft returns just in time for New York and Stevie gives us a glimpse into the new Ballkids documentary. Tickets to see the Ballkids documentary. AusOpen.comiHeartApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.