Australian Open Tournament Director and Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley. (Getty/Daniel Pockett) In the midst of a legal battle between tennis' main governing bodies, the Professional Tennis Players' Association (PTPA) have announced an early-stage settlement agreement with Tennis Australia (TA), without delving into specifics. In November, The First Serve  explained Tennis Australia's push to break away from the other three Grand Slams  in an effort to settle a lawsuit filed

(Getty/Brett Hemmings) It was the traditional media day at Melbourne Park yesterday, a chance for journalists to ask the first questions of the new year to a bunch of players. There were numerous press conferences, and a great deal of information to digest. The First Serve selects a bunch of highlights of what was said around the pressers in the lead-up to the Australian Open. The One-Point Slam was front of mind, and the players seemed to embrace it unanimously. Iga Swiatek

(Getty/Andy Cheung) Spanish superstar Carlos Alcaraz has poured cold water on suggestions that his shock coaching split will act as a distraction ahead of his Australian Open campaign, sharing that the decision was mutual. Former French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero, who helped Alcaraz win all six of Alcaraz's Grand Slam titles, sensationally parted ways as coach last month. In an interview with Spanish outlet Marca, Ferrero admitted he was "very hurt" about the situation

(AAP/James Ross) When Storm Hunter ruptured her Achilles just days before Australia's BJK Cup qualifier against Mexico in April 2024, the road to recovery was always going to pose a challenge. So when the 31-year-old defeated American and former world No.1 doubles player Taylor Townsend 7-6(2), 6-2 to qualify for the Australian Open main draw, it was only natural that she dropped to the court with tears streaming down her face. "I just felt like I had unfinished business. I

(Andy Cheung/Getty Images) Sports Entertainment Network (SEN) is excited to announce its most comprehensive broadccast coverage yet of the 2026 Australian Open, bringing every serve, rally and match defining moment to tennis fans across Australia and beyond. Broadcasting live from the heart of Melbourne Park, SEN's coverage will originate from its commentary bunker at Rod Laver Arena, offering listeners unmatched access and insights into the tournament. The action kicks off o

(Getty/Graham Denholm) The 2026 Australian Open draw has delivered some favourable matchups for the Aussies, but a nightmare scenario has become a reality for the country's main hope. Aussie men's first round matches: [6] Alex de Minaur v Matteo Berrettini Alexei Popyrin v Alexandre Müller Adam Walton v [1] Carlos Alcaraz Aleksandar Vukic v Thiago Tirante Tristan Schoolkate v [32] Corentin Moutet [WC] Jordan Thompson v Juan Manuel Cerúndolo [WC] Christopher O'Connell v Qualif

(Getty/Ian MacNicol) Tennis is always on the lookout for the next big thing, the next prodigy. This is especially so at the beginning of a new season. In 2026, things are no different. We are fortunate in Australia to have the majority of early-season events on our doorstep, meaning we can keep a close eye on who might be ready to take that rankings leap. One player already making some waves on the WTA tour is 17-year-old Austrian Lilli Tagger. After watching one practice ses

(Getty/Albert Perez) Former world No.8 Daria Kasatkina says that players "have no say" when it comes to the WTA's controversial business dealings with Saudi Arabia. The Middle-Eastern nation has taken the sporting world by storm over the past few years, including tennis where in April 2024, the WTA announced it had struck a three-year deal with Riyadh to host the WTA Finals until 2026. On the men's side, the ATP will introduce a 10th Masters, starting from the 2028 calendar,

A packed crowd watches on at ANZ Arena on Day 1 of Australian Open qualifying. (The First Serve) Known for smashing records every year, the 2026 Australian Open has already started with a bang. On Monday, the first day of qualifying, 29,261 fans attended Melbourne Park, surpassing the previous record of 7,543. With stadiums almost packed to the brim, it highlights how far the Australian Open has come in recent years, with countless new additions to 'Opening Week' such as live

(Getty/Brett Hemmings) After two heartbreaking losses in the final in 2023 and 2024, Team Poland has finally sealed victory in the United Cup, with Hubert Hurkacz and the doubles team of Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zieliński winning their matches to give Poland the win over Switzerland.   In the first match, Belinda Bencic took on Iga Świątek, with the Polish star taking the first set before Bencic fought back with vengeance to take the second set 6-0. Bencic kept the momentum in

Aryna Sabalenka kisses the Brisbane trophy for the second straight year. (Getty/Albert Perez) The second Sunday of the Australian summer of tennis meant one thing: finals day. There were five titles up for grabs on the ATP and WTA Tours, with preparations for the 2026 Australian Open now in full swing. Aryna Sabalenka goes back-to-back in Brisbane Appearing in the WTA 500 Brisbane final for the third straight season, Pat Rafter Arena has always been a happy hunting ground for

Who is Rafael Jódar? As the 2026 tennis season kicks off, Rafael Jódar is quickly proving that his transition from junior standout and top college player to full-time professional was the right move. The 19-year-old Spaniard’s recent performances, particularly at this week’s ATP Challenger 125 in Canberra is highlighting his ascent and growing presence on the men’s tour. Born on 17 September 2006 in Madrid, Jódar developed into one of the world’s elite junior players early in

Team Poland takes a celebratory selfie after reaching the United Cup final. (Getty/Robert Prange) Switzerland and Poland have won their semi-final ties in the United Cup against Belgium and the USA respectively, with both ties being decided in thrilling mixed doubles matches to set up a blockbuster showdown.   In the day session, Switzerland played Belgium in stifling heat, which peaked at 43 degrees at Sydney Olympic Park as the teams struggled, even with play moved half an

(Getty/Brendon Thorne) A dominant performance from Iga Świątek and an incredible doubles performance from Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zieliński have propelled Poland to a 2-1 victory over Australia, despite the efforts of Alex de Minaur, who played some of his best tennis to defeat Hubert Hurkacz in one of the matches of the tournament.   In the first rubber of the evening, Maya Joint was no match for the experience and power of Świątek, with Poland taking the first match 6-1, 6

(Getty/William West) Ah, yes, it's that time of the year when Australian Open wildcards are passionately debated at length. 'Why has this player been offered a wildcard?' 'Why has that player been overlooked?' They are often questions asked by the Australian tennis public, which actually opens the door for healthy discussion. Unlike Thanasi Kokkinakis, who has activated his protected ranking to compete in the 2026 Australian Open main draw, Nick Kyrgios could no longer rely o

Hajar Abdelkadar went viral for all the wrong reasons after her display at an ITF W35 event. A statement from Tennis Kenya has clarified a bizarre wildcard handed to Egyptian player Hajar Abdelkader, who went viral after winning just three points during an ITF match. The 21-year-old served 20 double faults in a 0-6, 0-6 defeat lasting 37 minutes at an event in Nairobi, Kenya, leaving the tennis world stunned as to how she was accepted as a wildcard. "Tennis Kenya is aware of

In professional tennis, long-term progress is rarely accidental. It is shaped by clear structure, informed planning, and the ability to manage the realities of life on tour. Samuel Guarin built his coaching career around those principles, working internationally across the ATP, WTA, and ITF circuits while supporting players through the technical, tactical, and organisational demands of modern professional tennis. Over the years, Guarin has accumulated extensive international

(Getty/Robert Prange) Australia will aim to carry their unbeaten streak at the United Cup into the knockouts when they take on two-time runners-up Poland in Sydney on Friday night.   Maya Joint will have an enormous task as she takes on Iga Świątek first up before Alex de Minaur takes on the in-form Hubert Hurkacz, who has not dropped a set in his matches against Alexander Zverev and Tallon Griekspoor. HEAD has partnered with the Kooyong Classic for 2026. HEAD will be on-sit

(Getty/Izhar Khan) Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin have elected not to take the trip to Ecuador for Davis Cup, with Lleyton Hewitt revealing a line-up of Aleksandar Vukic, Jordan Thompson, Rinky Hijikata, James Duckworth and Thanasi Kokkinakis.   "Over the last month, I've been in constant communication with Lleyton. I have decided that with the issues that my body has given me throughout last year, it was smartest to kind of just sit this one out. I'm definitely going to b

(Getty/Andy Cheung) Fighting off a crushing defeat to Casper Ruud, Alex de Minaur returned to form to lead Australia to a 2-1 victory over Czechia, with a dominant victory over prodigy Jakub Menšík and an engrossing win in mixed doubles alongside the hero of the first tie, Storm Hunter.   After Canada's shock loss to Belgium and Poland’s 3-0 victory over Germany, the Australians knew they had to win their tie to qualify for the knockouts, as their win percentage would not be