Australian Open 2026: Day 4 Schedule & Match Highlights (Jan 21st)
- Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
- Venue: Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Rounds: Men’s & Women’s Singles Round 2 (Round of 64), Men’s & Women’s Doubles Round 1 (Round of 64)
As the first Grand Slam of the year heats up, Day 4 at the 2026 Australian Open promises a spectacular lineup of tennis. The focus shifts to the second round of the singles draw, where top seeds look to solidify their campaigns and underdogs aim for career-defining upsets. Additionally, the doubles competition kicks off in earnest, featuring exciting pairings of doubles specialists and singles stars.
Below is your detailed guide to the day’s action, highlighting 15 key matches across the grounds.
Men’s Singles: Round 2 Highlights
The bottom half of the men’s draw is in action, headlined by a local hero on Rod Laver Arena and a Spanish phenom continuing his quest for a maiden Australian Open title.
1. Alex de Minaur (6) vs. Hamad Medjedovic
Court: Rod Laver Arena (Night Session), from 7:00 pm AEDT
The headline act of the night session features Australia’s own Alex de Minaur. Coming off a confident straight-sets victory over Mackenzie McDonald in the first round, the No. 6 seed carries the hopes of the nation. He faces the talented young Serbian Hamad Medjedovic, who possesses huge firepower and a dangerous serve. De Minaur’s speed and counter-punching ability will be tested, but the electric atmosphere of the home crowd should buoy the “Demon” as he looks to push deep into the second week.
2. Carlos Alcaraz (1) vs. Yannick Hanfmann
Court: Rod Laver Arena (Day Session), not before 2:00 pm AEDT
World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz steps out for his second match of the tournament against Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann. Alcaraz, aiming to complete his Career Grand Slam collection, looked sharp in his opener. Hanfmann is a solid ball-striker, but Alcaraz’s variety—drop shots, lobs, and thunderous forehands—makes him the overwhelming favorite. Expect fireworks and plenty of “Vamos!” from the Spaniard as he tries to dismantle the German’s game early.
3. Alexander Zverev (3) vs. Alexandre Muller
Court: John Cain Arena (Night Session), not before 6:30 pm AEDT
Third seed Alexander Zverev, a finalist in 2025, continues his bid for a first major title against Frenchman Alexandre Muller. Zverev’s booming first serve and backhand stability are his biggest weapons. Muller will need to mix up the pace to disrupt the German’s rhythm, but Zverev’s experience on the big stage likely gives him the edge in this night encounter.
4. Daniil Medvedev (11) vs. Quentin Halys
Court: John Cain Arena (Day Session)
The “Octopus,” Daniil Medvedev, returns to his favorite hard courts to face France’s Quentin Halys. Medvedev, a three-time finalist in Melbourne, is looking to rebuild his ranking after a mixed 2025 season. Halys has a big game and can dictate play, but Medvedev’s ability to absorb power and turn defense into offense is second to none. This match at John Cain Arena—often the rowdiest court—should be highly entertaining.
5. Andrey Rublev (13) vs. Jaime Faria
Court: Margaret Court Arena (Day Session), from 11:30 am AEDT
The fiery Russian Andrey Rublev, seeded 13th this year, faces Portuguese rising star Jaime Faria. Rublev is known for his intense baseline aggression and forehand dominance. Faria is less experienced at this level, making this a classic “David vs. Goliath” setup. Rublev will want to avoid a long battle in the heat to preserve energy for tougher tests ahead.
6. Frances Tiafoe (29) vs. Francisco Comesana
Court: Margaret Court Arena (Night Session)
American showman Frances Tiafoe takes on Argentine Francisco Comesana in what should be a fun contest. Tiafoe thrives on crowd energy and will look to get the fans involved early. Comesana, more comfortable on clay, will try to drag Tiafoe into long, physical rallies. If Tiafoe serves well and attacks the net, he should control the proceedings.
Women’s Singles: Round 2 Highlights
The women’s draw sees the defending champion and the World No. 3 in action, along with a highly anticipated clash between a teen prodigy and a Greek superstar.
7. Aryna Sabalenka (1) vs. Bai Zhuoxuan
Court: Rod Laver Arena (Day Session), from 11:30 am AEDT
Defending champion and World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka continues her title defense against Chinese qualifier Bai Zhuoxuan. Sabalenka survived a tricky first set in round one before powering through, and she will be keen to assert her dominance early here. Her heavy hitting should overpower Bai, but the Chinese player has grit and will make Sabalenka earn every point.
8. Coco Gauff (3) vs. Olga Danilovic
Court: Margaret Court Arena (Day Session), not before 1:00 pm AEDT
This match has a fascinating narrative. Third seed Coco Gauff faces Olga Danilovic, the woman who just knocked out legend Venus Williams in the first round. Gauff will be looking to “avenge” her idol and compatriot. Danilovic is a powerful lefty who can dictate play when she’s on, but Gauff’s speed and improved serve make her the favorite. It will be a battle of baseline aggression.
9. Mirra Andreeva (8) vs. Maria Sakkari
Court: Margaret Court Arena (Night Session), from 7:00 pm AEDT
A blockbuster second-round encounter! The teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva, now a top 10 seed, faces the athletic Greek star Maria Sakkari. Sakkari produced the “shot of the tournament” in her first round—a slice winner around the net post—and is playing with renewed freedom. Andreeva’s tennis IQ is well beyond her years. This could be the match of the day on the women’s side.
10. Elina Svitolina (12) vs. Linda Klimovicova
Court: John Cain Arena (Day Session), from 11:00 am AEDT
Fan-favorite Elina Svitolina headlines the day session at “The People’s Court” against young Czech qualifier Linda Klimovicova. Svitolina’s fighting spirit is legendary in Melbourne. She will need to use her experience to dismantle the game of the inexperienced Klimovicova, who is looking to make a name for herself on the big stage.
11. Priscilla Hon vs. Iva Jovic (29)
Court: Rod Laver Arena (Night Session)
In a massive opportunity for both players, local wildcard Priscilla Hon takes on American teenager Iva Jovic under the lights on center court. Hon showed incredible heart in round one, comforting her opponent who collapsed, and will have the full support of the Aussie crowd. Jovic is a rising star with nothing to lose. It’s a prime time slot for two players looking for a breakout moment.
12. Jasmine Paolini (7) vs. Magdalena Frech
Court: Kia Arena (Likely Night Session)
Small in stature but huge in heart, Italian 7th seed Jasmine Paolini brings her energetic game to the court against Frech. Paolini has become a consistent force at Slams, using her speed and heavy topspin to frustrate opponents. She will be heavily favored to advance.
Doubles: Round 1 Highlights
The doubles courts are often where you find the most fun and fast-paced action. Day 4 sees some star-studded teams beginning their campaigns.
13. M. Ebden / R. Ram vs. J. Shang / Z. Zhang
Court: Court 14 (Day Session), not before 2:00 pm AEDT
This is a fascinating new partnership for 2026. Aussie doubles legend Matthew Ebden has teamed up with American Rajeev Ram, a multiple Grand Slam champion. They form an incredibly experienced duo with elite net skills. They face the exciting Chinese pairing of singles stars Jerry Shang and Zhizhen Zhang. It’s a classic “Specialists vs. Singles Stars” battle.
14. G. Dabrowski / L. Stefani vs. M. Kessler / J. Pegula
Court: Court 15 (Day Session), from 11:00 am AEDT
Top-tier doubles specialists Gabriela Dabrowski (Canada) and Luisa Stefani (Brazil) take on the American team of McCartney Kessler and top singles player Jessica Pegula. Pegula often plays deep into doubles draws, and her baseline solidity complements Kessler’s game. However, Dabrowski and Stefani are one of the most cohesive teams on tour and will test the Americans with sharp poaching and movement.
15. E. Perez / D. Schuurs vs. I. Haverlag / S. Kartal
Court: Court 15
The crowd will be out to support Aussie Ellen Perez, who pairs with the crafty Dutch player Demi Schuurs. This duo relies on variety, quick hands, and energy. Expect a lively atmosphere on the outer courts as they try to get their campaign off to a winning start.
Tournament Information
Dates: January 12 – February 1, 2026
Location: Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia
Prize Money: The 2026 Australian Open features a record-breaking prize money pool of $111.5 million AUD.
- Singles Champions: $4.15 million AUD
- Runner-Up: $2.15 million AUD
- First Round: $150,000 AUD
Venue & Atmosphere: Melbourne Park is famous for its “Happy Slam” vibe. The precinct includes three main stadiums with retractable roofs: Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, and John Cain Arena. This ensures play continues even during extreme heat or rain. The outer courts, particularly the energetic Kia Arena and Court 6, offer fans a chance to see world-class tennis up close.
Weather & Heat Policy: January in Melbourne can be scorching. The tournament has an Extreme Heat Policy in place. If the Heat Stress Scale exceeds a certain threshold, play on outer courts may be suspended, and roofs on the main arenas will be closed and air-conditioned.
Enjoy Day 4 of the Australian Open! Whether you are cheering for the Aussie favorites like De Minaur and Hon, or marveling at global icons like Alcaraz and Sabalenka, it’s set to be a thrilling day of tennis.
Full schedule: https://ausopen.com/schedule#!43228
