Big Predictions for the New Men's Tennis Season: Djokovic Struggles for 25th Title, Can Sinner and Alcaraz Achieve Both?

The new season is approaching rapidly, and many exciting guesses about the 2026 season are ready to unfold. Let's explore some of the most intriguing subjects in men's tennis.

1️⃣ Who among Alcaraz and Sinner can achieve a career Grand Slam?

Although Alcaraz still has two years to break Nadal’s record as the youngest male player to complete a career Grand Slam, Sinner has already won back-to-back Australian Opens, making it tough for Alcaraz to surpass his seasoned rival.

Regarding consistency on hard courts and performance in major tournaments, this player rarely falters. Additionally, Alcaraz recently parted ways with his long-time coach Ferrero, so his future remains uncertain. In contrast, despite being suspended for several months this year, Sinner reached the finals at both the Rome Masters and Roland Garros. If not for Alcaraz’s extraordinary comeback at Roland Garros, Sinner would have already completed his career Grand Slam.

Is it possible that both players win titles in their respective strongholds and both complete their career Grand Slams in the new season? Considering Alcaraz’s loss at Wimbledon and subsequent US Open victory this year, this scenario seems quite plausible. If it happens, two major triumphs in one season would be truly astonishing.

2️⃣ Can Djokovic claim his 25th Grand Slam title?

Honestly, Djokovic’s best chance for another Grand Slam is likely still the Australian Open. He has lost twice to Alcaraz in Wimbledon finals, and the French Open is especially challenging for the veteran, as sliding on clay and enduring long rallies is physically demanding at his age.

Djokovic has chosen to play warm-up tournaments before the Australian Open, skipped many opening week events there, and even missed this season’s year-end championships. His clear intention is to focus all his energy on starting strong and aiming to secure his 25th Grand Slam title.

3️⃣ Who will win their first Grand Slam?

The list of contenders includes several players who performed well this season and those who have previously been Grand Slam finalists: three-time Grand Slam finalist Zverev and Ruud, one-time finalist Fritz, this season’s rising stars Draper and Shelton, and Aliassime, who rebounded this year to achieve his best year-end ranking. This list looks quite credible!

However, breaking through under the dominance of the “twin stars” is no easy feat. Draper withdrew injured before next year’s Australian Open and only played one match at the US Open after Wimbledon this year. Whether he can regain the form that led him to Masters success remains uncertain, let alone winning a Grand Slam.

Shelton and Fritz have both reached Grand Slam semifinals twice. Fritz, long the top American, even reached the US Open final last year. Yet their overall skill levels are not outstanding; unless they make significant progress next season, they remain unlikely to challenge Alcaraz or Sinner.

Among the remaining two, Zverev and Aliassime are like wild cards: capable of bursts of brilliance that give hope for a breakthrough, but their inconsistency and lack of dominance also hold them back.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Luo Cheng Qiye)