Chalk Flying Up Down Under

There have been few surprises at this Australian Open, but a trend in one category still staggers.

MELBOURNE, Australia — With the first 10 days of the 2026 Australian Open now completed, there’s been a question I’ve been hearing whispered more and more frequently among various media types around the grounds: has this tournament been good?

That’s a subjective question, of course, and it’s one that I think it’s worth getting into a bit. But one thing is certain about this Australian Open: it’s been profoundly and historically chalky.

To read about this tournament so far, and the remarkable trend that is emerging in recent tennis history—and read previews of Wednesday’s quarterfinals—please subscribe to Bounces! -Ben