Another Australian Open has now reached its conclusion, with Carlos Alcaraz and Elena Rybakina clinching the top prizes.
Alcaraz beat Novak Djokovic in the men’s singles final, after Rybakina had overcome Sabalenka in the women’s equivalent.
Rybakina’s deadly serve was key to her Australian Open success, which has helped her rise to number three in the world rankings.
Like Rybakina, Alcaraz was rewarded handsomely financially for his efforts in Melbourne, where he completed the career Grand Slam.
But not every player has left the Australian Open on such highs, with many ATP and WTA stars falling well short of expectations.
Which member of the ‘Big Three’ is Carlos Alcaraz most similar to? Let us know why below👇
The three biggest losers from the Australian Open
Madison Keys entered the 2026 Australian Open as the defending champion, but she failed to make it past the fourth round this time around.
And given the ranking points she had to defend, American ace Keys fell six places to world number 15 following her exit.
But she wasn’t the only American player to leave early, with 15th seed Emma Navarro losing in round one to Magda Linette.
Two-time WTA champion Navarro was number eight in the world not so long ago, but is now down in 17th after the Australian Open.
And on the men’s side, Felix Auger-Aliassime definitely had a Grand Slam to forget, having retired hurt in his very first match.
With three ATP titles won in 2025, along with a career-high rank of fifth, there was plenty of excitement around the Canadian.
But cramps forced him out of the hard-court tournament early, at a time when he was trailing Nuno Borges 6-3, 4-6, 4-6.
The three biggest winners from the Australian Open
Of course, not every ATP and WTA player endured such disappointment and frustration at the 2026 Australian Open.
There were also plenty of winners, with three potentially standing out more than most during their time in Melbourne.
Outside of champions Alcaraz and Rybakina, men’s runner-up Novak Djokovic arguably leads the way in that regard.
Is Rybakina the best player on the WTA Tour right now?
If not, who is better?
The 38-year-old offered proof if it were still needed that he isn’t going away anytime soon, and that he is still in with a chance of a record 25th Grand Slam title.
He rode his luck on more than one occasion, but remained fully in control of his own fate with a stunning semifinal win over Jannik Sinner.
Two players at the other end of their careers also impressed at the Australian Open, with American duo Iva Jovic and Learner Tien enjoying lengthy runs.
Jovic knocked out top 10 player Jasmine Paolini en route to the quarterfinals, where her dream run was ended by world number one Sabalenka.
Her compatriot Tien reached the same stage, claiming a big win over Daniil Medvedev before falling to Alexander Zverev.
