The Australian Open will offer a record A$111.5 million ($74.73 million) in prize money this year and while players welcomed the increase, top names like Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka said the push for a bigger payout must continue across the Grand Slams.

The Australian Open main draw is now locked in, bringing the long and demanding qualifying rounds to a close. Few stages in the sport come with as much on the line for players.

Alcaraz has not made it past the quarter-finals in four trips to the Australian Open. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

The eight players making their Grand Slam debuts at the 2026 Australian Open include three-time WTA quarterfinalist Mananchaya Sawangkaew, Guadalajara semifinalist Nikola Bartunkova and three-time WTA 125 champion Oleksandra Oliynykova.