A bombshell prediction from former tennis professional Sam Querrey has sent shockwaves through the sport just days before the 2026 Australian Open begins, suggesting that Jannik Sinner is poised for an unprecedented clean sweep of all four major titles this year.
Querrey's Grand Slam Sweep Forecast
Speaking on the Nothing Major podcast alongside fellow American ex-pros Jack Sock and John Isner, Querrey made a stunning declaration. "My bold take is that I think Sinner is going to win all four majors this year," stated Querrey, who peaked at world number 11 in 2018. He then framed the season's central question, asking whether it was more likely for Sinner to achieve the calendar Grand Slam or for a player outside the current top two to claim a major.
The podcast panel was divided. Sock agreed with Querrey's assessment, while Isner countered, predicting "we will have a Grand Slam winner who is neither Sinner nor Alcaraz" in 2026. This bold forecast sets a dramatic backdrop for the first major of the year, which gets underway in Melbourne on Sunday, January 18.
Alcaraz's Career Slam Ambition Under Threat
For Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz, this year's tournament carries monumental significance. At just 22 years old, victory at Melbourne Park would see him complete the career Grand Slam, having already won Wimbledon, the French Open, and the US Open. The Australian Open remains the only major trophy absent from his collection.
Tennis legend Roger Federer, a six-time champion in Melbourne, acknowledged the enormity of the potential feat. "It's like Rory [McIlroy] going for the Masters, those things are tough," Federer remarked at Melbourne Park. He added, "at his young age to be able to complete the career Grand Slam already now, I mean [it] would be crazy... I hope he does for the game, it would be an unbelievably special moment."
The Dominant Rivalry and the Road Ahead
Alcaraz and Sinner have established a formidable duopoly, having shared the last eight Grand Slam titles between them. Sinner, 24, is the two-time defending Australian Open champion and won Wimbledon in 2025, while Alcaraz triumphed at Roland Garros and Flushing Meadows last season. The last player to defeat either in a major final was Novak Djokovic, who beat Daniil Medvedev at the 2023 US Open.
With the draw now confirmed, the rivals are on opposite sides, meaning a potential final showdown. Sinner begins his title defence against France's Hugo Gatson, while Alcaraz faces Australian Adam Walton. Notably, Novak Djokovic has been placed in Sinner's half of the draw, adding another layer of intrigue.
As he prepares for his bid for a third consecutive crown, Sinner recognised the challenge. "[It is] one of the goals for this season," he told 9News Melbourne. "It's gonna be very difficult to get back there, but I'm going to put myself in the game. I know that I've practiced very well. The off-season was great. Physically, I feel good."
All eyes will now be on Melbourne to see if Querrey's audacious prediction begins to materialise or if Alcaraz can realise his career Grand Slam dream and disrupt the forecast.
