Australian Open 2026: Your Complete Schedule and Viewing Guide
MELBOURNE, 17 January 2026 – The first Grand Slam of the year is set to serve up three weeks of world-class tennis and entertainment at Melbourne Park. With the qualifying rounds underway, the main draw action for the Australian Open 2026 begins this Sunday, 18 January, culminating with the finals on the weekend of 31 January – 1 February.
Tournament Overview
The Australian Open 2026 will run from Monday 12 January to Sunday 1 February, featuring an expanded 18-day format designed to improve player wellbeing. The event begins with an “Opening Week” from 12-17 January, which includes qualifying matches, open practice sessions, live music, and the new ‘Million Dollar 1 Point Slam’ exhibition. The precinct will then welcome over one million fans, with 99 of the world’s top-100 men and 98 of the top-100 women confirmed to compete.
Key Dates and Match Schedule
The tournament schedule has been finalised, with the main draw commencing on Sunday 18 January. The daily order of play is released the evening before each session, with day sessions generally starting from 11:00 am and night sessions from 7:00 pm local time.
| Date | Round / Session |
|---|---|
| 12 – 15 January | Qualifying Rounds |
| 18 – 20 January | First Round |
| 21 – 22 January | Second Round |
| 23 – 24 January | Third Round |
| 25 – 26 January | Fourth Round |
| 27 – 28 January | Quarterfinals |
| 29 January | Women’s Semifinals |
| 30 January | Men’s Semifinals |
| 31 January | Women’s Singles Final, Men’s Doubles Final |
| 1 February | Men’s Singles Final, Women’s Doubles Final |
How to Watch in Australia
The Australian Open will be broadcast live and free across the Nine Network’s television channels and digital platforms, including 9Gem and 9Now. A subscription streaming service is also available via Stan Sport. For international viewers, major broadcasters include ESPN (United States), TNT Sports and discovery+ (United Kingdom), and Sony LIV (Indian subcontinent).
Top Seeds and Defending Champions
Jannik Sinner will aim for a third consecutive men’s singles title, while Madison Keys returns to defend her 2025 crown. The top seeds for 2026 are projected to be Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka, with a strong local contingent led by Alex de Minaur, who enters as a top-10 seed for the first time.
Practical Information for Attendees
Public transport is the recommended way to reach Melbourne Park, with almost 5,000 extra tram services, 400 extra trains, and 150 special bus services running throughout the tournament. Ticket holders travel free on shuttle trams on the day of their session. Ground Passes for Opening Week start from $10 for adults, offering access to outdoor courts, practice sessions, and festival zones.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Australian Open 2026 start?
The main draw begins on Sunday 18 January 2026. Qualifying matches started on Monday 12 January.
What is the prize money for the 2026 tournament?
The total prize pool is a record $111.5 million. The men’s and women’s singles champions will each receive $4.15 million.
Can I bring my own food and drink?
Yes, you can bring food and non-alcoholic drinks in sealed containers. Free water refill stations are located throughout Melbourne Park.
Who are the Australian players to watch?
Alex de Minaur leads the local charge as a top-10 seed. In the women’s draw, Maya Joint is seeded at a Slam for the first time (No. 32). Other Aussies in the main draw include Alexei Popyrin, Ajla Tomljanovic, and Kimberly Birrell.