Top Seeds Set Up Blockbuster ANC Finals

The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the 2026 Australian National Championships, with all four top seeds booking their places in Sunday’s championship finals after impressive semi-final victories on the Gold Coast.

In the men's draw, defending champion and top seed Joseph White continued his dominant run through the tournament with a commanding straight-games victory over Brendan Macdonald. White will now face second seed Dylan Molinaro, who also advanced in convincing fashion with a 3-0 win to reach his first Australian National Championship final.

White, one of Australia's most accomplished men's players in recent years, will be chasing another national title after consistently establishing himself as the country's leading player on the international circuit. Standing in his way is the rising Molinaro, who has enjoyed a breakthrough tournament and will contest his maiden national championship decider.

"I was really happy with that performance," White said.

"I went in with a game plan to really lock the court down and not give Brendan many opportunities to attack.

"I think I did that well. I got a lot of mistakes from him as well and was able to put some really hard rallies into him, and I think the physicality paid off in the end.

"I'm very excited to be through to another Australian National Championship final and looking forward to a tough battle.

"I've played Dylan a lot. Obviously, I have to play well to win, and hopefully get another national title."

Molinaro was equally pleased after securing his place in the championship match.

"I'm happy with my performance today. I think I played pretty solid," he said.

"Nicholas is a tough competitor, so I knew it would be tough because he never gives up.

"I'm happy with how I handled it and I'm looking forward to the final.

"It's my first national final, so it should be good. Playing Joey, I've played him a number of times, so it should be tough. I'm looking forward to the opportunity. I know it will be a battle out there."

The women's final will also feature the tournament's top two seeds after Madison Lyon and Sarah Cardwell progressed through contrasting semi-finals.

Top seed Lyon overcame Eric Classen in four games, while second seed Cardwell delivered a clinical straight-games victory over Remarshee Muniandy.

Lyon enters the final as Australia's leading-ranked female player and will be aiming to add another national championship to her growing list of achievements. Across the court, experienced campaigner Cardwell will be looking to reclaim the Australian title, bringing years of international experience and composure into the championship match.

"It was good to get off in three and save all the energy I have for the final," Cardwell said.

"I think I mixed it up pretty well and made sure I watched and tried not to guess too much.

"I ended up playing more angles than I had planned on, which is fine. I kind of like doing that, but I need to be more disciplined.

"I feel relief, fun and happy, that's the aim for this week. One more match to go.

"I'm confident in my own game. I have to forget about each opponent and get on and play. I've played enough minutes and enough matches to not worry about the first game or the final. I'll be comfortable and try to have fun out there."

Lyon said she was excited for the opportunity to compete for the national crown.

"I'm super excited to get through to the final."

With the nation's best players set to battle for Australia's most prestigious domestic titles, fans can expect two high-quality championship matches to close out an outstanding week of squash on the Gold Coast.