João Fonseca, winner at the Canberra International 2025. Photo: Tennis ACT.
The Workday Canberra International, from 4 to 10 January at the Canberra Tennis Centre, has again assembled a fascinating field of up-and-comers and those who are fighting their way back.
Former world number four Kei Nishikori, now ranked around 156, will be forced to qualify for a grand slam for the first time in 15 years as he attempts to make the main draw for the Australian Open.
It makes the 35-year-old’s entry into the Canberra International even more intriguing as he uses the ATP 125 Tournament as an important launching pad into Melbourne.
As equally intriguing is the appearance in Canberra of another 35-year-old, former world number seven David Goffin, now ranked 119.
David Goffin has beaten some of the best players in the world. Photo: Tennis Australia.
Goffin, who has had wins over Alcaraz, Djokovic, Nadal and Federer, is also using the Canberra International as preparation for the Australian Open.
The Canberra tournament though, with its elevated status, will ensure the older generation will have their work cut out against a number of emerging stars.
Last year was a perfect example with Brazilian Next Gen player, Joao Fonseca. Joao started 2025 with a title win in Canberra before ending the year ranked 24 in the world.
Among the young stars, four of the eight ATP Next Gen finalists will be in action, including Australian Open Junior Champion Alexander Blockx.
Alexander Blockx during round one qualifying at the Australian Open, Melbourne Park in January 2025. Photo: Tennis Australia/Mark Petersen.
Italian Luca Nardi is the highest ranked in the men’s draw at 87.
Nardi proved at the Indian Wells Masters that he is capable of beating the best when he became the lowest ranked player ever to defeat Novak Djokovic in a Masters or Grand Slam tournament.
Swiss star Simona Waltert headlines the field in the women’s draw.
Waltert, ranked 86 in the world, made the third round of the Australian Open in 2025 and has again made the main draw in Melbourne in 2026.
The challenges to Waltert will come from the likes of Japanese player Moyuka Uchijima, who is ranked 94 in the world.
The Workday Canberra International field also includes Australians Destanee Aiava, in the women’s main draw as a wild card, and Alex Bolt, who will need to come through qualifying in the men’s.
Tennis ACT CEO Mark La Brooy said a further string to the Canberra International’s bow was that it had a strong community focus.
“We encourage locals and visitors alike to come down and experience world-class tennis up close and personal. Fans can enjoy a wide range of local food and beverages throughout the week, while the Fan Zone will be buzzing with activity, including Pop Tennis and free tennis experiences for all ages,” he said.
He reminded Region of another drawcard to the International. “The popular Kids Tennis Day will return on Thursday 8 January, following its hugely successful debut in 2025,” he said.
Meanwhile, 22-year-old Canberran Ashleigh Simes, who has just graduated from Lee University in Tennessee, made it through to the finals of the Australian Open Million Dollar One Point Slam after winning the ACT Championship.
Ashleigh Simes. Photo: Tennis Australia/Martin Ollman.
The one-point slam will see 48 players from across the country battle it out in Melbourne on 14 January.
The winner of each one-point match will progress, with the loser eliminated, until the field of 48 is whittled down to two, with the eventual victor taking home a million dollars.
The Workday Canberra International is on 4 – 10 January at the Canberra Tennis Centre. Tickets start from $23 and there is free entry for kids. For more details, visit the Canberra International website.
