Tennis fans, are you ready for some hard-court drama? The 2026 ATP season is heating up fast, and this week we've got two can't-miss tournaments in Adelaide and Auckland! Big names are battling it out, careers are on the line, and upsets are bound to happen. Let's dive into what you absolutely need to know about the Adelaide International and the ASB Classic.
Adelaide International: Davidovich Fokina Leads the Charge
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Ben Shelton, and Casper Ruud are headlining the ATP 250 events across Adelaide and Auckland. The hard-court season is in full swing with these two cities hosting the ATP 250 tournaments.
All eyes are on Adelaide, where Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, currently ranked a career-high No. 14, enters as the top seed. Tommy Paul, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and local favorite Thanasi Kokkinakis will be trying to steal the show.
Here are five things to keep a close watch on in Adelaide:
1) Can 'Foki' Handle the Pressure?
Davidovich Fokina is stepping into new territory as the top seed at an ATP Tour event for the very first time. Can he live up to the hype? He's looking to rebound after a disappointing first-round exit in Brisbane. His first opponent will be either Tristan Schoolkate or Rinky Hijikata. This is a huge test for the 26-year-old Spaniard. Will he rise to the occasion, or will the pressure be too much? But here's where it gets controversial... some analysts believe that Fokina's aggressive style might actually be more effective when he's the underdog. What do you think? Does being the top seed help or hurt his chances?
2) Tsitsipas Aims to Keep the Momentum Going
Stefanos Tsitsipas is riding high after a stellar performance at the United Cup in Perth, where he went undefeated in singles. This is especially impressive considering he was sidelined with a back injury since September. He's clearly feeling confident, and he'll need that confidence for his Adelaide opener against a qualifier. Can he maintain his form and make a deep run in the tournament?
3) Paul's Quest for a Victory
Tommy Paul is also looking for a fresh start after an injury-plagued end to his 2025 season. A ruptured tendon in his left foot kept him out of action after the US Open. He returned in Brisbane but suffered a heartbreaking loss in a deciding-set tie-break. As a two-time semi-finalist in Adelaide, he's hoping to turn things around. He'll face either Reilly Opelka or Aussie hope Alexei Popyrin in his first match. Will he overcome his injury woes and finally secure a win? And this is the part most people miss... Paul's aggressive baseline game is perfectly suited for these courts. If he's fully healthy, he's a serious contender.
4) Kokkinakis' Triumphant Return
Hometown hero Thanasi Kokkinakis is making his singles comeback after a year-long absence due to a rare pec operation following the 2025 Australian Open. He warmed up with doubles in Brisbane alongside Nick Kyrgios. Now, he's back on the singles court in Adelaide, the very place where he won his first ATP Tour title in 2022. His first opponent is Sebastian Korda. Can he recapture his winning form and give the Adelaide crowd something to cheer about? This could be an emotional moment for him.
5) Cash and Glasspool: Doubles Dominance
Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool, the 2025 Year-End ATP Doubles No. 1 team, are continuing their dominant run. They reached the final in Brisbane and are now the top seeds in Adelaide. They'll face stiff competition from teams like Harri Heliovaara and Henry Patten. Will they continue their winning streak and claim another title?
ASB Classic (Auckland): Shelton and Ruud Lead the Pack
Across the Tasman Sea, in Auckland, Ben Shelton and Casper Ruud are the top draws at the ASB Classic.
Here are five things to watch in Auckland:
1) Shelton's Quest for a Strong Start
Ben Shelton is kicking off his season in Auckland for the fourth consecutive year. Currently ranked No. 8, this is his first tournament since his Nitto ATP Finals debut in November. He'll be facing either Francisco Comesana or Valentin Royer in his opening match. Can he start the year strong and build momentum for the rest of the season?
2) Ruud vs. Mensik: A Potential Rematch?
Casper Ruud started the year with a big win against Alex de Minaur at the United Cup. However, he also suffered a straight-sets loss to Jakub Mensik in Sydney. Mensik is also competing in Auckland. Could we see a rematch? And if so, will Ruud be able to avenge his defeat? This rivalry is definitely one to watch. Some say Ruud's best days are behind him, while others believe he's still a force to be reckoned with. What's your take?
3) Monfils' Farewell Tour Begins
Gael Monfils has announced that 2026 will be his final year as a professional tennis player. The 39-year-old Frenchman is determined to showcase his talent one last time. He won his 13th ATP Tour title in Auckland last year. He'll be joined by fellow former champions Alejandro Tabilo and Roberto Bautista Agut. Can Monfils make a memorable run in his final season?
4) Norrie's Home Advantage
Cameron Norrie grew up in Auckland and is hoping to finally capture the ASB Classic title. He reached the final in 2019 and 2023 but fell short both times. He'll start his 2026 campaign against qualifier Hugo Gaston. Will this be the year he finally breaks through and wins in front of his home crowd?
5) Bhambri and Goransson: Doubles to Watch
Yuki Bhambri and Andre Goransson are the top seeds in the Auckland doubles draw. They'll face tough competition from teams like Francisco Cabral and Lucas Miedler (Brisbane champions), as well as Sadio Doumbia and Fabien Reboul. Who will come out on top in this competitive field?
So, there you have it! Two tournaments, tons of talent, and endless possibilities. Who are you rooting for? Which matches are you most excited to see? And who do you think will be the biggest surprise of the week? Share your predictions and opinions in the comments below!
