Australian Open 2026 Complete Schedule

The Australian Open marks the beginning of the Grand Slam calendar, bringing the world’s best tennis players to the vibrant hard courts of Melbourne Park. As the first major of the year, it sets the tone for the season, often delivering high-octane matches amidst the Australian summer heat.

Key Takeaways

• Tournament Dates: Qualifying begins January 12, with the Main Draw running from Sunday, January 18 to Sunday, February 1, 2026.
• Venue: Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia.
• Total Prize Money: AUD $111.5 million (approx. USD $74.9 million)
• Key Finals:
  • Women’s Singles Final: Saturday, January 31.
  • Men’s Singles Final: Sunday, February 1.
• Format Change: The tournament continues the tradition of a 15-day main draw, featuring a Sunday start to the event.
• TV Schedule: Night sessions at Rod Laver Arena typically begin at 7:00 pm AEDT.

For 2026, the tournament continues its tradition of a Sunday start, expanding the action across three full weeks including the qualifying rounds. Fans can expect the electrifying atmosphere of Rod Laver Arena to host the sport’s biggest names as they compete for the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup and the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup.

Below is the provisional schedule for the 2026 tournament, outlining key dates from the qualifying rounds to the championship finals.

Australian Open 2026 Match Schedule

Note: This schedule is provisional and subject to alteration. Night sessions at Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena generally begin at 7:00 pm.

Players to Watch at AO 2026

As the first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open often sets the narrative for the entire season. With the provisional schedule set, all eyes are on the stars likely to light up Rod Laver Arena.

Men’s Singles Contenders

• Carlos Alcaraz: The Spanish phenom is always a headline act. His explosive athleticism and shot-making ability make him a top favorite on the Melbourne hard courts as he looks to add another major to his tally.
• Jannik Sinner: A specialist on hard courts, Sinner’s powerful baseline game suits the Australian conditions perfectly. He enters the tournament as one of the primary threats for the title.
• Novak Djokovic: The most decorated champion in Australian Open history. Even as a veteran, his experience and dominance on this surface make him the man to beat whenever he steps onto the blue court.
• The Aussie Hopes: Keep an eye on Alex de Minaur. The home crowd support at John Cain Arena (often dubbed the “People’s Court”) elevates his game, making him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the draw.

Women’s Singles Contenders

• Aryna Sabalenka: With her blistering power and previous success at Melbourne Park, Sabalenka thrives on these courts. She is arguably the most formidable hard-court player in the women’s draw.
• Iga Świątek: The relentless World No. 1 continues to adapt her game. While clay is her fortress, her hard-court intensity makes her a perennial contender for the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup.
• Coco Gauff: Her court coverage and improved serve have solidified her status as a Grand Slam staple. Gauff is expected to go deep into the second week.

Storylines to Follow

• The Farewell Tour? Watch out for veteran fan favorites who may be making one of their final appearances at Melbourne Park. The energy for these matches is often unmatched.
• The Night Sessions: Matches scheduled for the 7:00 PM slot at Rod Laver Arena often turn into five-set marathons. These are the tickets to get for maximum drama.