Grand Slam and ATP/WTA Calendar 2026: Which Top Players Have Confirmed Their Participation

The 2026 tennis season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive of the decade. With the Grand Slam tournaments firmly established in their traditional windows and the ATP and WTA Tours continuing to refine their calendars, leading players are already confirming key events in their schedules. Injuries, ranking strategies, Olympic cycles and surface preferences all influence participation, yet the biggest names have made their intentions clear for the majors and flagship Masters events. Below is a detailed look at the confirmed entries and expected appearances across the main stages of the 2026 campaign.

Australian Open 2026 and the Opening Hard-Court Swing

The Australian Open, scheduled for January 2026 in Melbourne, remains the first Grand Slam of the season and a central target for the sport’s elite. As of early 2026, Novak Djokovic has confirmed his intention to compete, continuing his long-standing commitment to the tournament where he has enjoyed historic success. Carlos Alcaraz has also declared his participation, aiming to strengthen his position in the ATP rankings and add to his hard-court credentials.

On the women’s side, Iga Świątek and Aryna Sabalenka are both confirmed entrants, with Sabalenka traditionally performing strongly in Melbourne conditions. Coco Gauff has also indicated that the Australian Open will anchor her early-season plans, supported by her team’s emphasis on aggressive hard-court preparation in December 2025.

In the lead-up events across Brisbane, Adelaide and Auckland, several top-10 players have signalled participation in at least one warm-up tournament. Daniil Medvedev, known for his proficiency on faster courts, has once again scheduled an Australian hard-court build-up, while Jannik Sinner is expected to compete in a preparatory ATP 250 or 500 event before Melbourne.

Confirmed Masters 1000 Appearances in Early 2026

Following the Australian swing, the ATP Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells and Miami remain mandatory for top-ranked players, barring injury exemptions. Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have confirmed their intention to compete in both tournaments, recognising the ranking points and commercial significance of the so-called “Sunshine Double”.

Novak Djokovic’s participation in Indian Wells and Miami has historically been selective due to scheduling considerations, yet his team has indicated a full spring hard-court campaign in 2026. This suggests appearances in both events, provided fitness remains stable.

On the WTA Tour, Świątek, Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina are all expected to contest both tournaments, with formal entry lists reflecting their commitments. These events play a decisive role in shaping the early-season rankings before the transition to clay.

Roland Garros 2026 and the European Clay Season

Roland Garros, set for late May and early June 2026 in Paris, continues to represent the pinnacle of the clay-court calendar. Rafael Nadal, having largely reduced his schedule in recent seasons, has not announced a full campaign but remains linked to potential participation should his physical condition allow. However, the confirmed leaders of the men’s field are Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, both committed to the European clay swing.

The build-up tournaments in Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome are expected to feature the majority of the ATP top 10. Alcaraz has confirmed participation in Monte Carlo and Madrid, citing the importance of match rhythm on clay. Jannik Sinner is also confirmed for Rome, where home support plays a significant role in his scheduling priorities.

In the women’s draw, Iga Świątek once again headlines the clay season. She has confirmed entries in Stuttgart, Madrid and Rome ahead of Roland Garros. Aryna Sabalenka and Ons Jabeur have also publicly committed to a full clay programme in 2026, aiming to consolidate points before the grass transition.

Key ATP and WTA 1000 Events on Clay

The Monte Carlo Masters, although not mandatory for ATP players, has attracted confirmed entries from Alcaraz, Sinner and Stefanos Tsitsipas. Rome, as a mandatory Masters 1000 event, will see participation from nearly all eligible top-ranked players unless prevented by injury.

On the WTA side, the Rome 1000 event remains a strategic milestone. Świątek and Rybakina have consistently used it as a final preparation stage before Paris, and their 2026 schedules reflect the same approach.

Madrid’s altitude and faster clay conditions also draw leading contenders. Sabalenka has confirmed her presence, viewing Madrid as one of her strongest clay opportunities due to its slightly quicker surface profile.

Wimbledon, US Open and the Late-Season Highlights

Wimbledon 2026, scheduled for late June and early July in London, remains a priority for all leading players. Carlos Alcaraz has confirmed his grass-court preparations in Queen’s Club, underlining his focus on maintaining dominance on the surface. Novak Djokovic, a multiple Wimbledon champion, has also confirmed his intention to compete, provided there are no fitness setbacks.

On the women’s side, Elena Rybakina, a proven grass-court performer, has confirmed a full grass campaign including a preparatory event in Berlin. Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka are likewise scheduled for at least one grass warm-up tournament before The Championships.

The US Open, concluding the Grand Slam calendar in late August and early September 2026, has already attracted firm commitments from Alcaraz, Sinner, Djokovic and Medvedev. For the WTA, Świątek, Gauff and Sabalenka have all confirmed that New York remains a central objective in their annual planning.

ATP Finals and WTA Finals 2026 Outlook

The ATP Finals, expected once again to be held in Europe in November 2026, will feature the top eight singles players based on ranking points. While qualification cannot be confirmed this early, leading contenders such as Alcaraz, Sinner and Djokovic have publicly stated that year-end qualification remains a core objective.

The WTA Finals, likely to maintain their current hosting arrangement, are similarly targeted by Świątek, Sabalenka and Gauff. Their teams consistently emphasise consistency across surfaces as the key to securing enough ranking points.

As the 2026 season progresses, adjustments may occur due to injuries or ranking dynamics. However, based on confirmed entries and public statements, the major tournaments are set to feature the sport’s leading names, ensuring a highly competitive and commercially significant year for global tennis.