2026 ATP Tour: Events in January

• A Unique Team Start: The season launches with the United Cup in Perth and Sydney, a distinct mixed-gender team event where ATP and WTA stars unite to compete for national pride before individual tour play begins.
• Diverse Warm-Up Paths: The road to the first major splits across the Asia-Pacific region, with players choosing between the heat of Australia (Brisbane, Adelaide), the humidity of Hong Kong, or the festive atmosphere of Auckland to fine-tune their games.
• The Grand Slam Climax: The month culminates at Melbourne Park for the Australian Open, the season’s first Grand Slam, where defending champion Jannik Sinner and the world’s best vie for one of the sport’s most prestigious titles.

The 2026 ATP Tour season has arrived, and with it comes one of the most exhilarating months in the tennis calendar. January is synonymous with the “Summer of Tennis” down under, a high-octane stretch of hard-court events that serve as the ultimate proving ground for players aiming to capture the first Grand Slam of the year.

From the unique team dynamics of the United Cup to the sweltering intensity of Melbourne Park, this month offers six distinct events that will shape the narrative of the 2026 season. Here is your comprehensive guide to the ATP action scheduled for January 2026.

The Team Battle: United Cup (2 – 11 January)

• Locations: Perth & Sydney, Australia
• Format: Mixed-gender team event

The season kicks off with a bang at the United Cup, an event that has quickly become a fan favorite for its electric atmosphere and unique format. Spanning two iconic Australian cities—Perth and Sydney—this tournament pits 18 nations against one another in a mixed-gender competition.

Unlike standard tour events, the United Cup sees ATP and WTA stars joining forces. Ties are comprised of men’s singles, women’s singles, and a decisive mixed doubles match, often creating dramatic finishes where national pride is on the line. The United States, fresh off their 2025 victory, enter as the team to beat, but with nations like Italy and Australia fielding deep rosters, the battle for the trophy will be fierce. For fans, it is a rare opportunity to see top-ranked men and women sharing the court and coaching each other from the sidelines.

Week 1: The Road Diverges

As the first full week of the season gets underway, the tour splits between Australia and Asia, offering players two distinct paths to build momentum.

Brisbane International presented by ANZ (4 – 11 January)

• Location: Brisbane, Australia
• Venue: Queensland Tennis Centre

A staple of the Australian summer, the Brisbane International returns to the Pat Rafter Arena. Known for its enthusiastic crowds and humid conditions, Brisbane is often the preferred starting point for players looking to acclimatize to the Australian heat. Defending champion Jiri Lehecka, who claimed the 2025 title, will be looking to replicate his success. The tournament is critical for players shaking off the rust of the off-season, offering a competitive ATP 250 field that often punches above its weight class in terms of talent.

Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open (5 – 11 January)

• Location: Hong Kong
• Venue: Victoria Park Tennis Stadium

Running concurrently with Brisbane is the Hong Kong Tennis Open. After its successful return to the calendar, this ATP 250 event has re-established itself as a premier destination for players who prefer to start their season in Asia. The 2025 champion, Alexandre Muller, headlines a field that is expected to feature explosive talent like Andrey Rublev and Lorenzo Musetti. The intimate Victoria Park venue provides a stark contrast to the sprawling Australian arenas, offering a raucous, close-quarters atmosphere that players love.

Week 2: Final Preparations

With the Grand Slam looming, the intensity ramps up in the second week. Players are looking for those final competitive reps to fine-tune their games.

Adelaide International (12 – 17 January)

• Location: Adelaide, Australia
• Venue: Memorial Drive Tennis Centre

Adelaide has a reputation for attracting top-tier talent looking for “match toughness” right before the major. The historic Memorial Drive courts offer conditions very similar to Melbourne, making this ATP 250 the perfect final tune-up. The tournament often sees late wildcards granted to top seeds who feel they need just a few more matches under their belt, making the draw unpredictable and highly competitive.

ASB Classic (12 – 17 January)

• Location: Auckland, New Zealand
• Venue: ASB Tennis Centre

Across the Tasman Sea, the ASB Classic in Auckland offers a vibrant, festive alternative. Known for its hospitality and relaxed vibe, it is nonetheless a serious battleground. The 2025 champion, the evergreen Gael Monfils, proved that experience still counts, but a new generation of stars—including powerhouses like Ben Shelton and Casper Ruud—are slated to challenge for the title in 2026. For many, a title run in Auckland is the perfect confidence booster before flying to Melbourne.

The Main Event: Australian Open (18 January – 1 February)

• Location: Melbourne, Australia
• Venue: Melbourne Park

All roads lead to this. The Australian Open is the crown jewel of the January swing and the first of the four Grand Slams. For two weeks, the sporting world’s eyes will be fixed on Melbourne Park.

The 2026 edition promises high drama as Jannik Sinner returns to defend his hard-fought 2025 title. The “Happy Slam” is famous for its grueling five-set battles, often played in extreme heat that tests the physical and mental limits of every athlete. From the day-session upsets on the outer courts to the electric night sessions inside Rod Laver Arena, the Australian Open sets the tone for the entire year. With 2,000 points on the line and tennis immortality at stake, it is the fitting climax to a breathless month of tennis.