Auger-Aliassime, Mboko Propel Canadians at Australian Open on TSN
The 2026 Australian Open is set to captivate tennis fans worldwide as top players from both ATP and WTA Tours prepare to compete in Melbourne. The tournament kicks off this weekend, with the opening round available live on TSN channels, the TSN App, and the TSN.ca Multiplex.
Key Players to Watch at the Australian Open
The tournament features several notable Canadian athletes who have been performing impressively on the court. Here’s a look at the top contenders:
Felix Auger-Aliassime
Felix Auger-Aliassime enters the Australian Open as the seventh seed. This Montreal native looks to build on a successful 2025 season, highlighted by significant victories at the US Open, where he reached the semifinals. He faced Jannik Sinner, the defending men’s champion, in that round. Auger-Aliassime also triumphed at the European Open and reached the finals of the Paris Masters.
- Opening Match: Nuno Borges from Portugal
- Potential Matchups: Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev
Victoria Mboko
Victoria Mboko has made waves in the WTA, climbing from No. 350 to No. 17 in the world. The 19-year-old begins her campaign against wild card Emerson Jones and recently reached the final in Adelaide.
- Opening Match: Emerson Jones
- Potential Matchup: Clara Tauson in Round 3
Denis Shapovalov
Seeded 21st, Denis Shapovalov aims to improve upon his second-round finish in 2025. The 26-year-old had a standout year, winning his first 500-level title in Dallas.
- Opening Match: Yunchaokete Bu
- Potential Opponents: Casper Ruud, Ben Shelton, Jannik Sinner
Leylah Annie Fernandez
Former US Open finalist Leylah Annie Fernandez is seeded 22nd. The 23-year-old achieved significant victories last year and will begin her tournament against Janice Tjen.
- Potential Matchups: Madison Keys, Jessica Pegula, Amanda Anisimova
Gabriel Diallo
At 24, Gabriel Diallo looks to continue his ascent in the rankings. After a breakthrough 2025, he faces a challenging opening against third-seed Alexander Zverev.
- Opening Match: Alexander Zverev
- Potential Challenges: Cam Norrie, Andrey Rublev
Liam Draxl and Marina Stakusic
Both players are making their Grand Slam main draw debuts. Draxl, ranked No. 145, faces a tough competitor in Francisco Cerundolo. Stakusic will face Priscilla Hon in her second Grand Slam appearance.
- Liam Draxl: Opening Match against Francisco Cerundolo
- Marina Stakusic: Opening Match against Priscilla Hon
As the Australian Open unfolds, all eyes will be on these talented Canadians, especially Felix Auger-Aliassime and Victoria Mboko, who promise to deliver exciting performances on the grand stage. Fans can expect thrilling matches and memorable moments in what is anticipated to be a fantastic tournament.
