Aussie Open storylines: Alcaraz's split, Coco's changes, betting odds

The 114th edition of the Australian Open begins Saturday at Melbourne Park.

Jannik Sinner is looking to become the first man to three-peat at the Happy Slam since Novak Djokovic in 2021. Meanwhile, Madison Keys is preparing to defend her title on the women's side.

🎾 Check out all of the Australian Open odds available at theScore Bet here

Here are five storylines to watch as well as the betting odds for the year's first major.

Alcaraz's coaching change

Carlos Alcaraz stunned the tennis world with his decision to move on from his longtime coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, just a month before the Australian Open. The World No. 1 trained at Ferrero's academy during his teenage years and captured six Grand Slams over their seven-year partnership. Their bond went beyond the court, too, with Alcaraz often describing Ferrero as his "second father."

Samuel Lopez, who joined Alcaraz's team in December 2024, will take the reins in Australia. Lopez shared last season's ATP Coach of the Year award with Ferrero after helping Alcaraz win a career-high 71 matches, including two Grand Slam trophies. But can Lopez establish the same chemistry that made Alcaraz and Ferrero such a successful duo?

Coco's adjustments

Coco Gauff's serve and forehand issues have been well documented. She hired renowned biomechanics specialist Gavin MacMillan last summer in hopes of improving her biggest weaknesses. MacMillan is no stranger to reclamation projects, having helped Aryna Sabalenka with her own serving problems before she became a four-time major champion and the world's top-ranked player.

When Gauff hired MacMillan, she vocalized her desire to generate sustained success over short-term results. The American star had a full offseason to implement MacMillan's pointers and grow comfortable with the changes. In 2025, Gauff managed to win 48 matches, including a French Open title, en route to a third straight finish in the WTA's top three. If she can iron out her flaws, the sky's the limit.

Gauff had a 75% first-serve percentage and committed only four double-faults in her recent United Cup win over Iga Swiatek, her fourth consecutive straight-sets victory over the Polish star after dropping 11 of their first 12 meetings.

Osaka's resurgence

Naomi Osaka turned her 2025 season around when she brought on Tomasz Wiktorowski to replace Patrick Mouratoglou. Wiktorowski famously worked with former World No. 2 Agnieszka Radwanska and guided Swiatek to four Grand Slam titles. It didn't take long for Osaka to reap the rewards, as she reached the National Bank Open final and US Open semifinal in her first two tournaments with Wiktorowski.

All seven of Osaka's titles have come on hard courts, including a pair of Australian Open trophies. Her raw power is tailor-made for the surface Down Under, and she seems to have regained the confidence that made her a consistent major threat. It would be a fitting place for Osaka to claim her first Grand Slam since returning from maternity leave.

Stan begins farewell tour

Stan Wawrinka will retire following the 2026 campaign. The 40-year-old's effortless power, elegant one-handed backhand, and mental toughness made him a fan favorite over the last two decades. He managed to break through for multiple majors in an era dominated by the Big Three, becoming one of three players to beat Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray at the Grand Slam level.

Wawrinka defeated Djokovic twice in a major final, denying the latter of a career Grand Slam with his 2015 French Open triumph. The Swiss star enjoyed some of his most memorable moments Down Under as well. Wawrinka outlasted Djokovic in a five-set quarterfinal thriller at the 2014 Australian Open, ending the Serbian's major semifinal streak at 14. He then took down Nadal a few rounds later to capture his maiden major crown.

1st-time major challengers

A new season brings renewed hope for those chasing that elusive Grand Slam trophy. Keys finally got over the hump last year at Melbourne Park, saving a match point against Swiatek in the semis before upsetting Sabalenka in the championship match. Who are the top candidates this time around?

Alcaraz and Sinner have taken the torch from the Big Three, winning nine of the past 10 Grand Slams. Felix Auger-Aliassime has multiple wins over both players and was competitive in a four-set semifinal loss to Sinner at the 2025 US Open. Ben Shelton's best Grand Slam results have come in Australia. Three of his four major defeats during the previous campaign came at the hands of Alcaraz and Sinner. Meanwhile, Taylor Fritz has made a handful of deep major runs over the past two years and nearly forced a fifth set against Alcaraz in last year's Wimbledon semifinal.

On the women's side, Sabalenka, Swiatek, and Gauff have similarly seized control. Amanda Anisimova is perhaps the biggest threat to the status quo, as she owns a winning record against the trio and has been the runner-up at the last two Grand Slams. Mirra Andreeva is already a fixture in the second week of majors. The teen sensation beat Swiatek and Sabalenka in successive rounds when she won the 2025 Indian Wells tournament. Elina Svitolina, a three-time Australian Open quarterfinalist, heads into the event fresh off a title in Auckland.

Men's odds

🎾 Check out all of the Australian Open odds available at theScore Bet here

Women's odds

US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call (800)-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).

ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at 1-866-531-2600. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at www.connexontario.ca.