2026 Australian Open Day 1 Main Draw Schedule (January 18)
Get your popcorn ready! The 2026 Australian Open is officially here, and Day 1 at Melbourne Park promises to be an absolute blockbuster. As the gates swing open this Sunday, January 18, the “Happy Slam” welcomes back the world’s best for two weeks of scorching summer action.
With a schedule packed to the brim with star power, returning legends, and local hopefuls, it can be hard to know where to look first. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here is your ultimate guide to the must-watch matches for the opening day of the 2026 Australian Open.
Men’s Singles: Top 5 Matches to Watch
1. Carlos Alcaraz [1] vs. Adam Walton (Rod Laver Arena – Night Session)
The world number one and top seed, Carlos Alcaraz, begins his campaign on Rod Laver Arena under the bright lights. The Spanish sensation is on a mission this year: the Australian Open is the only Grand Slam title missing from his cabinet, and he is hungry to complete the set. He faces local Australian Adam Walton, who will undoubtedly have the home crowd roaring in his corner. While Alcaraz is the heavy favorite, the electric atmosphere of a night session against an Aussie underdog often brings out the unexpected. Expect fireworks from Alcaraz’s racquet as he looks to make a statement early.
2. Alexander Zverev [3] vs. Gabriel Diallo (Rod Laver Arena – Day Session)
German star Alexander Zverev, seeded third, returns to the site of his heartbreak from last year where he finished as runner-up. He kicks off his quest for redemption during the day session on Rod Laver Arena against Canadian Gabriel Diallo. Diallo is a dangerous unseeded loomer with a big game that can trouble top players on fast hard courts. Zverev will need to be sharp from the first ball to avoid an early scare. This match will be a great indicator of Zverev’s form as he looks to finally lift the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup.
3. Frances Tiafoe [29] vs. Jason Kubler (John Cain Arena)
If you want entertainment, get yourself to John Cain Arena—often dubbed the “People’s Court”—for this clash. American showman Frances Tiafoe takes on Australia’s own Jason Kubler. Tiafoe feeds off crowd energy like few others, and John Cain Arena is famous for its rowdy, partisan atmosphere. Playing a local favorite in this venue is a test of nerve, but it’s exactly the kind of stage Tiafoe loves. Expect high-energy rallies, plenty of fist pumps, and a Davis Cup-style environment.
4. Alexander Bublik [10] vs. Jenson Brooksby (Margaret Court Arena)
This is a matchup of contrasting styles and personalities that tennis purists will love. The mercurial Alexander Bublik, seeded 10th, brings his bag of trick shots and underarm serves against the unorthodox American Jenson Brooksby on Margaret Court Arena. Bublik is having a strong period in his career, cemented by his top-10 seeding, but Brooksby’s unique game can frustrate even the most composed opponents. This match has “five-set thriller” written all over it.
5. Cameron Norrie [26] vs. Benjamin Bonzi (1573 Arena)
British number one Cameron Norrie, seeded 26th, faces a tricky opener against Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi out on 1573 Arena. Norrie is known for his relentless fitness and grinding baseline game, but Bonzi is a solid competitor who can punish short balls. Norrie will be looking to build momentum for a deep run, and a decisive win here would set the tone for his tournament. It’s a battle of grit versus flair that could go the distance.
Women’s Singles: Top 5 Matches to Watch
1. Aryna Sabalenka [1] vs. Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah (Rod Laver Arena – Night Session)
Defending champion and world number one Aryna Sabalenka headlines the women’s night session. Sabalenka has been the queen of Melbourne Park in recent years, and she begins her drive for a third title (and fifth career major) against French wildcard Tiantsoa Rakotomanga Rajaonah. Sabalenka’s power game is perfectly suited to these courts, and she will look to overwhelm her young opponent early. For Rajaonah, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime to share the center stage with the world’s best.
2. Venus Williams vs. Olga Danilovic (John Cain Arena)
History will be made on John Cain Arena as the legendary Venus Williams returns to Grand Slam action at the age of 45. A wildcard entrant, Venus takes on Serbia’s Olga Danilovic in what is sure to be an emotional highlight of Day 1. Venus is competing in her 30th season as a professional—a staggering achievement—and will become the oldest woman to ever play in the Australian Open main draw. Regardless of the result, seeing a seven-time major champion back on court is a privilege for every fan in attendance.
3. Emma Raducanu [28] vs. Mananchaya Sawangkaew (Margaret Court Arena)
Great Britain’s Emma Raducanu is back as a seed at a Slam, coming in at number 28. The 2021 US Open champion faces Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew on Margaret Court Arena. Raducanu has shown flashes of her best tennis recently and will be eager to navigate the early rounds smoothly. Her opponent will have nothing to lose, making this a dangerous opening test for the British star. All eyes will be on Raducanu to see if she can make a deep run in Melbourne this year.
4. Jasmine Paolini [7] vs. Aliaksandra Sasnovich (Rod Laver Arena – Day Session)
Kicking off the action on Rod Laver Arena is the Italian 7th seed, Jasmine Paolini. Paolini had a breakout couple of years and is now firmly established among the elite. She faces the experienced Aliaksandra Sasnovich. Sasnovich is a talented ball-striker who can beat anyone on her day, making this a potentially tricky hurdle for the high seed. Paolini’s speed and tenacity will be key as she looks to avoid an opening-day upset.
5. Maria Sakkari vs. Leolia Jeanjean (Margaret Court Arena)
Greek powerhouse Maria Sakkari takes on Frenchwoman Leolia Jeanjean on Margaret Court Arena. Sakkari is one of the most athletic players on tour, and her intensity is unmatched. After some ups and downs in previous majors, she will be desperate for a strong start here. Jeanjean is a crafty player who knows how to disrupt rhythm, so Sakkari will need to remain disciplined and aggressive to power through to the second round.
Tournament Essentials: What You Need to Know
Dates and Venue The 2026 Australian Open runs from Sunday, January 18 to Sunday, February 1. The tournament takes place at the iconic Melbourne Park, a sprawling precinct famous for its blue hard courts and retractable roofs on three main stadiums: Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, and John Cain Arena.
Prize Money The stakes have never been higher. Tournament organizers have announced a record-breaking prize money pool of AUD $111.5 million for 2026.
- Singles Champions: The winners of the men’s and women’s singles will each take home a massive $4.15 million.
- First Round: Even players who lose in the first round will earn $150,000, ensuring that qualifying for the main draw is a career-changing achievement for many.
Schedule of Play
Official schedule link: https://ausopen.com/schedule#!43225
- Day Session: Play begins at 11:00 AM on outer courts and 12:00 PM on show courts (Rod Laver, Margaret Court, and John Cain Arenas).
- Night Session: The evening blockbuster matches usually start from 7:00 PM on Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena.
Whether you are cheering for the legends like Venus, the current icons like Alcaraz and Sabalenka, or the next generation of stars, Day 1 of the Australian Open is set to deliver drama, emotion, and world-class tennis. Enjoy the matches!
