Overview
- Jannik Sinner beat Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4, 4-6, 10-4 in a Rod Laver Arena exhibition, his final test before the tournament.
- Coach Darren Cahill confirmed he will stay with Sinner at least through this season, with both highlighting his experience and stabilizing role.
- The draw puts Sinner against French left-hander Hugo Gaston in round one, while top seed Carlos Alcaraz begins versus Australia’s Adam Walton.
- Sinner said his 2026 priority is to add unpredictability to his game, focusing on stronger net transitions and enhanced physical conditioning.
- The pre-tournament Million Dollar One Point Slam drew strong reviews from players and was won by amateur Jordan Smith over Joanna Garland.