The Australian Open 2026 is shaping up to be a tournament of both resilience and renewal as the world’s elite players descend upon Melbourne Park for the first Grand Slam of the season. While the atmosphere is electric with the anticipation of potential record-breaking performances from stars like Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, the lead-up has been clouded by a significant wave of high-profile withdrawals.
Tournament officials and fans alike are navigating a reshuffled draw, as several top-ranked competitors have been forced to prioritize long-term health over the prestige of the “Happy Slam.” This year’s event highlights the grueling nature of the modern tennis calendar, with many players arriving in Australia still nursing injuries from the previous season or facing unexpected setbacks during early warm-up events. Despite these absences, the depth of the field remains impressive, promising a fortnight of intense competition and the potential for a new generation of stars to seize their moment on the grand stage at Rod Laver Arena.
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Australian Open 2026: Men's singles withdrawals
The Australian Open 2026 men’s draw has been hit by several major blows, primarily affecting some of the tour’s most exciting young talents and veteran fan favorites. Jack Draper, who was expected to lead the British charge, was forced to withdraw due to a persistent arm injury that has hampered him since late last year; he ultimately decided that his body was not ready for the rigors of five-set matches.
Similarly, the Danish powerhouse Holger Rune is a notable absentee after suffering a severe Achilles tendon tear in October, an injury that requires a lengthy rehabilitation process and has sidelined him for the entire Australian summer. French star Arthur Fils also pulled out after a recurring back issue failed to clear up in time for the tournament, choosing to focus on a full recovery rather than risking a long-term setback.
Home hero Nick Kyrgios provided one of the most talked-about updates, confirming that while he is back on court, he will skip the singles competition to focus exclusively on doubles with Thanasi Kokkinakis, admitting his fitness isn’t yet at the “five-set beast” level. Additionally, veteran Kei Nishikori and Finland’s Emil Ruusuvuori both withdrew just days before the start, citing ongoing fitness struggles and injury setbacks that prevented them from reaching competitive match-readiness.
Australian Open 2026: Women's singles withdrawals
The Australian Open 2026 women’s field will be missing some of its most influential figures, creating a significant shift in the title race and opening doors for rising stars. Zheng Qinwen, the 2024 finalist and a major force in the game, announced her heartbreaking withdrawal on January 8 as she continues to recover from right elbow surgery performed last summer; despite a smooth off-season, she noted she had not yet reached the “extreme competitive condition” required for a Grand Slam.
She is joined on the sidelines by Ons Jabeur, who is currently on maternity leave, and Danielle Collins, who previously announced she would skip the Australian swing to focus on her personal health and overall well-being. A more recent shock came from Loïs Boisson, the French breakout star and 2025 Roland Garros semifinalist, who withdrew on January 12 due to lingering hand and forearm injuries that have kept her off the court since September.
Furthermore, Veronika Kudermetova pulled out for personal reasons, leading to a unique situation where her sister, Polina, was promoted into the main draw to replace her. These vacancies have led to major changes, including British No. 1 Katie Boulter being moved directly into the main draw from the qualifying list.
Australian Open 2026: Players on high risk (on watch)
Several marquee names are currently under a “high risk” status, with their participation hanging in the balance as the first round approaches. Novak Djokovic remains the biggest question mark; after withdrawing from the Adelaide International to rest a minor physical knock, he is in Melbourne but will start the tournament with no competitive match practice in 2026.
World No. 12 Casper Ruud is also on a “day-to-day” watch, not because of injury, but because he is awaiting the birth of his first child and has stated he will fly home to Norway immediately if his wife goes into labor. Brazilian sensation Joao Fonseca is battling a “tight” lower back that forced him out of both Brisbane and Adelaide; while he is currently in Melbourne attempting a last-minute recovery, he has described his status as 50/50.
Additionally, Emma Raducanu is being closely monitored after a foot injury disrupted her pre-season, leaving her with very little court time heading into the main draw. Italian star Lorenzo Musetti also sparked concern today after retiring from an exhibition match against Alexander Zverev citing a lower back problem, leaving fans anxious about his readiness for the opening round.
