From Melbourne heat to Atlantic speed, sport shifts into top gear

The weekend promises high-stakes action across the global sporting calendar. In Melbourne, the Australian Open opens under the summer sun, testing the top tennis players. Across the Atlantic, the MOD70 trimaran Argo nears the finish line in Antigua after a record-setting sailing sprint. In Rabat, Morocco prepares to face Senegal in a potentially historic Africa Cup of Nations final.

These events showcase the breadth of modern sport—where endurance, skill, and precision can make all the difference. Fans can expect excitement, drama, and history in the making.

Below is a guide to the key competitions this weekend.

Tennis

Australian Open begins with familiar faces leading the field

The first Grand Slam of 2026 starts Sunday at Melbourne Park, where hard courts and soaring temperatures challenge players physically and mentally.

Men’s tennis is dominated by two rising stars. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have shared the sport’s major titles over the past two seasons. Both enter Melbourne as strong favorites, continuing a rivalry that has become more a shared dominance than a direct clash.

Sinner has excelled on Melbourne’s courts, remaining unbeaten there for two years. Alcaraz, 22, is chasing his first Australian Open title. A victory would complete a career Grand Slam, a rare achievement at his age.

Novak Djokovic remains a key figure. The 10-time Australian Open champion is seeking a 25th major to surpass Margaret Court’s record. At 38, his challenge lies more in endurance than skill. Two weeks of intense heat will test him physically, and defeating both Sinner and Alcaraz in succession is a tall order.

On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka is the clear favorite. The Belarusian won back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024 but lost last year. Her aggressive style suits Melbourne’s courts.

American players, including Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, and Jessica Pegula, are expected to provide strong competition. Each has the talent to challenge Sabalenka and reach the later stages of the tournament.

Australian Open
Melbourne, Australia — January 18 to February 1

Sailing

Argo nears Antigua after high-speed Atlantic crossing

In offshore sailing, Argo is closing in on Antigua after a high-speed journey from Lanzarote. The MOD70 trimaran has covered over 3,000 nautical miles in record time, aiming for line honors in the 2026 RORC Transatlantic Race.

Once the trade winds filled in, Argo consistently sailed above 30 knots, turning the crossing into a sprint rather than a typical ocean voyage.

The 70-foot multihull is built for extreme offshore performance. Its crew includes elite sailors like American skipper Chad Corning, four-time Olympian Charles Ogletree, British solo sailor Sam Goodchild, and round-the-world veteran Brian Thompson.

Life aboard is intense. Sailors take 45-minute shifts at the helm, braving spray, wind, and relentless pace. The foils’ constant hum and the physical demands blur day and night.

Argo is set to establish a benchmark time, though the overall race winner will only be confirmed after corrected-time calculations for slower monohulls. For now, the trimaran dominates headlines with a mix of speed, discipline, and endurance.

RORC Transatlantic Race
Lanzarote to Antigua — Began January 11

Soccer

Morocco and Senegal prepare for measured AFCON final

Morocco hosts Senegal on Sunday in Rabat for the Africa Cup of Nations final. The hosts aim for their first title in 50 years.

Morocco has advanced in a controlled, methodical style. Their semi-final against Nigeria ended scoreless, with penalties deciding the winner. The team has prioritized organization over attacking flair, appearing cautious under pressure.

Senegal, the 2021 champions, have been more assertive. They controlled their semi-final against Egypt and won through a late Sadio Mané goal. Mané’s ability to influence key matches quietly continues to define Senegal’s approach.

Egypt’s Mohamed Salah experienced another near miss, as his team was eliminated once again.

The tournament overall has been successful. Morocco’s hosting received praise, stadiums were full, and play was consistent. The only major change was timing: moved to winter to accommodate the expanded FIFA Club World Cup. Cold evenings replaced the usual heat, but the competition maintained its intensity.

Mané’s semi-final goal marked the 120th of the tournament, setting a new record. The final pits Morocco’s careful style against Senegal’s calm confidence. One team hopes history doesn’t overwhelm them; the other trusts experience to deliver in decisive moments.

Africa Cup of Nations
Morocco — December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026

Extra Time

Elsewhere, the NFL playoffs reach the divisional round. Saturday features Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills and Seattle Seahawks vs San Francisco 49ers. Sunday continues with Houston Texans at New England Patriots and Chicago Bears hosting Los Angeles Rams.

In motorsport, the Dakar Rally concludes in Saudi Arabia after two weeks in desert terrain. More than 800 competitors from 69 nations participated, though defending car champion Yazeed Al-Rajhi withdrew early.

Alpine skiing sees Lindsey Vonn, 41, competing in Tarvisio. Her World Cup results have reignited Olympic expectations ahead of Cortina. The men race on the Lauberhorn in Wengen, Switzerland, one of the season’s most challenging courses.

The Bandy World Championship concludes in Finland, while the Masters snooker final takes place at Alexandra Palace. The event has been notable for a growing Chinese presence and the absence of Ronnie O’Sullivan due to illness.

Across sports, the weekend highlights established powers defending dominance, challengers seeking breakthroughs, and history awaiting its next chapters.