Sloane Stephens, Jennifer Brady and Lilli Tagger are among the players entered in the qualifying draw for the 2026 Australian Open, setting the stage for a compelling mix of experience and youthful promise at Melbourne Park.

The organisers released the official qualifying entry lists for the first Grand Slam of the season, scheduled to begin on January twelfth, and the women’s field features several former top-ranked players who will vie for places in the main singles draws.

Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion, and Brady, the 2021 Australian Open finalist, both enter using protected rankings after periods away from the tour, underscoring their efforts to return to peak competitive form.

The entry lists also highlight the emergence of Lilli Tagger, the Austrian junior who won the 2025 Roland Garros girls’ singles title and is poised to test her skills against seasoned professionals in the qualifying rounds.

The qualifying tournament anticipates intense competition, with world No. one hundred four Polina Kudermetova leading the field alongside other seasoned campaigners such as Kristina Mladenovic, Katie Boulter and Taylor Townsend.

Tagger’s inclusion exemplifies the growing presence of promising young talents in major events, while the participation of seasoned former top-flight players like Stephens and Brady adds depth and intrigue to the qualifying battles.

On the men’s side, the qualifying entry list continues to showcase a blend of experienced figures and rising stars seeking to earn one of the coveted sixteen places in the Australian Open main draw.

The qualifying event is scheduled over several days in January, with players required to win three matches to secure entry into the main singles competitions.

As preparations continue at Melbourne Park, the entry lists reflect both the enduring appeal of the Australian Open and the dynamic nature of tennis, as established champions and future prospects converge in pursuit of Grand Slam success.