Australian Open 2026: Your Ultimate Guide to Day 2 Action
The “Happy Slam” is officially underway, and after a blistering opening day, the action at Melbourne Park heats up even further on Monday, January 19, 2026. Day 2 welcomes the bottom half of the draw, meaning fans will finally see some of the tournament’s biggest superstars take the court. From a 10-time champion looking to make history to a local hero carrying the hopes of a nation, the lineup is stacked with blockbuster storylines.
Here is your essential schedule for the standout matches you cannot miss on Day 2, featuring five marquee men’s clashes and five headline women’s battles.
Men’s Singles Highlights: 5 Matches to Watch
1. Novak Djokovic [4] vs. Pedro Martinez
- Venue: Rod Laver Arena (Night Session)
- The Storyline: The King of Melbourne Park returns. Novak Djokovic, seeded fourth this year, begins his quest for an unprecedented 11th Australian Open title and a record-extending 25th Grand Slam major. He faces Spaniard Pedro Martinez in the prime-time slot. Djokovic is also chasing a personal milestone: his 100th match win at the Australian Open. Expect the Serbian legend to be laser-focused as he tries to send a message to the younger generation that he is still the man to beat on these blue courts.
2. Alex de Minaur [6] vs. Mackenzie McDonald
- Venue: Rod Laver Arena (Day Session, headline act)
- The Storyline: Australia’s premier hope, Alex de Minaur, steps into the spotlight carrying the weight of home expectations. Originally slated to face Matteo Berrettini, “Demon” will now face lucky loser Mackenzie McDonald after the Italian’s withdrawal. De Minaur, now firmly established in the top 10 as the No. 6 seed, has a favorable record against the American, but McDonald is a dangerous ball-striker who has upset big names here before. The RLA crowd will be raucous for this afternoon blockbuster.
3. Daniil Medvedev [11] vs. Jesper de Jong
- Venue: Margaret Court Arena (Day Session)
- The Storyline: It is rare to see Daniil Medvedev, a three-time Australian Open finalist, seeded outside the top 10, but the No. 11 seed is looking to rebuild his dominance. He faces Dutch qualifier Jesper de Jong. Medvedev’s tactical genius and defensive wall are tailor-made for Melbourne, and he will be eager to make a quick start to avoid the marathon matches that have defined his previous campaigns.
4. Casper Ruud [12] vs. Mattia Bellucci
- Venue: Margaret Court Arena (Night Session)
- The Storyline: Norwegian star Casper Ruud brings his heavy topspin forehand to Day 2 against the rising Italian Mattia Bellucci. Ruud has often flown under the radar on hard courts compared to clay, but his consistency makes him a formidable threat. Bellucci, a flashy lefty, will try to disrupt Ruud’s rhythm, making this a fascinating tactical battle of contrasting styles.
5. Alexei Popyrin vs. Alexandre Muller
- Venue: John Cain Arena (Night Session)
- The Storyline: If you want atmosphere, go to John Cain Arena. The “people’s court” will host Aussie fan-favorite Alexei Popyrin as he takes on Frenchman Alexandre Muller. Popyrin thrives on crowd energy and possesses a massive serve and forehand combination. Under the lights of JCA, expect a Davis Cup-like environment as the local fans try to roar their man into the second round.
Women’s Singles Highlights: 5 Matches to Watch
1. Iga Swiatek [2] vs. Yuan Yue
- Venue: Rod Laver Arena (Night Session)
- The Storyline: World No. 2 Iga Swiatek begins her campaign for the only major title missing from her cabinet. The Polish superstar faces China’s Yuan Yue to open the night session. Swiatek is hunting for a Career Grand Slam, a feat that would cement her legacy among the all-time greats. Known for her intensity and focus, she will be looking to dismantle Yuan’s game early and conserve energy for the grueling fortnight ahead.
2. Coco Gauff [3] vs. Kamilla Rakhimova
- Venue: Rod Laver Arena (Day Session)
- The Storyline: American sensation Coco Gauff, the No. 3 seed, kicks off her tournament against Kamilla Rakhimova. Gauff has become a consistent force at the majors, and her athleticism and improved serve make her a top contender for the title. Interestingly, a win here could set up a nostalgic second-round clash with Venus Williams, who is also in this quarter of the draw, adding an extra layer of intrigue to her opening match.
3. Mirra Andreeva [8] vs. Donna Vekic
- Venue: Margaret Court Arena (Night Session)
- The Storyline: This is arguably the “popcorn match” of the day. Teenage prodigy Mirra Andreeva, now a top-10 seed at No. 8, faces the experienced and powerful Donna Vekic. Andreeva’s fearless shot-making has taken the tour by storm, but Vekic is a seasoned veteran who knows how to handle big hitters. This clash on Margaret Court Arena promises high-quality ball striking and plenty of drama.
4. Amanda Anisimova [4] vs. Simona Waltert
- Venue: Margaret Court Arena (Day Session)
- The Storyline: One of the feel-good stories of the tour, Amanda Anisimova enters Melbourne as the No. 4 seed, marking a stunning return to the elite tier of tennis. She faces Swiss player Simona Waltert. Anisimova has always had the power to blow opponents off the court, and with her renewed confidence and high seeding, she will be looking to make a deep run at the venue where she first broke through as a teenager.
5. Ajla Tomljanovic vs. Yuliia Starodubtseva
- Venue: John Cain Arena (Night Session)
- The Storyline: Before Popyrin takes the court, Australian veteran Ajla Tomljanovic will light up John Cain Arena against Ukrainian qualifier Yuliia Starodubtseva. Tomljanovic has battled through injuries to be here and always lifts her level in front of the home crowd. Her night match is the perfect curtain-raiser for a raucous evening of tennis at Melbourne’s favorite stadium.
Tournament Information: What You Need to Know
Dates and Venue
The 2026 Australian Open runs from Sunday, January 18 to Sunday, February 1. The tournament is held at the iconic Melbourne Park precinct, famous for its retractable roof stadiums (Rod Laver, Margaret Court, and John Cain Arenas) that ensure play continues regardless of the scorching heat or rain.
Record-Breaking Prize Money
The stakes have never been higher. Tennis Australia has announced a historic total prize money pool of AUD $111.5 million for 2026, a significant increase from previous years.
- Singles Champions: The winner of the men’s and women’s singles will each take home a staggering $4.15 million.
- Early Rounds: Even players who lose in the first round will receive $150,000, ensuring financial sustainability for all competitors in the main draw.
The “Happy Slam” Atmosphere
Beyond the courts, the Australian Open is renowned for its festival atmosphere. With live music, world-class dining, and the famous “Garden Square” where thousands watch on big screens, it is widely considered the most player-friendly and fan-friendly Grand Slam of the year.
Day 2 promises to be a showcase of tennis excellence. Whether you are rooting for the legends like Djokovic and Swiatek or cheering on the local Aussie fighters, Melbourne Park is the only place to be this Monday!
Full schedule: https://ausopen.com/schedule#!43226
