We’re back for the Australian Open 2026!

Host Dan Kiernan is joined by our Grand Slam panelists to preview all the action we can expect from Melbourne over the next fortnight. They discuss the standout players, popcorn match-ups and potential dark horses.

They also look at the impact of this years tennis balls for players, new 2026 partnerships in the doubles draws and give their predictions for this years winners!

Meet our Panelists:

1. GB Coach Calvin Betton who is currently working with Henry Patten & Harri Heliövaara.
2. Denmark´s Davis Cup Captain and 2012 Wimbledon Doubles Champion, Freddie Nielsen
3. Sports broadcaster and former CNN anchor Candy Reid
4. Top S&C Coach Kieron Vorster who has worked with Liam Broady, Dan Evans, Tim Henman and Wayne Ferreira.

Will Jannik Sinner win his third straight Australian Open title? Or will Carlos Alcaraz become the youngest ever play to win the career Grand Slam. Meanwhile Venus Williams will become the oldest player to play the Grand Slam after accepting a wildcard into the women´s singles event.

Who do you think will be this year's Australian Open champions! Tag @ctc.podcast on Instagram or Twitter or drop us an email to let us know who you're backing!

Links mentioned in this episode:

1. Listen to: Reaction to Alcaraz & Ferraro Split
2. Listen to: Andrea Vavassori: Why winning the US Open Mixed Doubles Title was so Important for Doubles

This episode is brought to you by Novellus Finance.