Eyes on 'Sincaraz' as season kicks off

Sabalenka primed to extend her reign

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Jannik Sinner is congratulated by Carlos Alcaraz at the end of their final match at the ATP Finals. Women's world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka. PHOTOS BY AFP

(PHOTOS BY AFP AFP)

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are set for more world domination in 2026, starting at the Australian Open, while Aryna Sabalenka is bubbling with confidence as she chases further Grand Slam success.

The new season gets under way today with the mixed-teams United Cup in Perth and Sydney, headlined by women's world No.2 two Iga Swiatek and men's world No.3 Alexander Zverev.

Top-ranked Sabalenka, who is pursuing a third Melbourne Park trophy, starts at the Brisbane International from January 4-11 in a stellar field also boasting Australian Open champion Madison Keys and fourth-ranked Amanda Anisimova.

Alcaraz and Sinner, or "Sincaraz" as they have been dubbed, play an exhibition in South Korea on Jan 10 in their only warm-up before the Australian Open eight days later.

While Spanish sensation Alcaraz bumped his Italian rival from the season-ending world No.1 spot, Sinner had the last laugh by edging him to retain his ATP Finals title in Turin.