Overview
- Jannik Sinner defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4, 4-6, 10-4 in a Rod Laver Arena exhibition as his final on-court tune-up.
- The No. 2 seed opens against Hugo Gaston in the bottom half, with world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz starting versus Adam Walton in the top half.
- Sinner confirmed coach Darren Cahill will remain with his team through 2026, emphasizing continuity after a turbulent 2025.
- He acknowledged last year’s clostebol case and three-month suspension weighed on him and his family, saying he now feels more mature.
- The new Million Dollar One Point Slam drew strong player support and crowned amateur Jordan Smith, as Roger Federer and John McEnroe spotlighted the Sinner–Alcaraz rivalry and potential threats including Lorenzo Musetti.