2026 Australian Open Day 6 Schedule (Jan 23): A Friday Feast of Tennis Down Under

The first week of the 2026 Australian Open is reaching its spectacular climax. Day 6—Friday, January 23—is officially here, and the schedule is nothing short of a blockbuster. We are diving deep into the Singles Round 3 (Round of 32), where the seeds start to collide, alongside a sizzling lineup of Doubles and Mixed Doubles action.

Melbourne Park is buzzing with energy, the “Happy Slam” is in full swing, and the courts are set for drama. Whether you are rooting for the established legends or the fearless next-gen stars, today’s order of play delivers on every front.

Below is your curated guide to the must-watch matches of Day 6, featuring key battles across Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, and the bustling outside courts.

Men’s Matches to Watch

The men’s draw is heating up as the quest for the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup intensifies. Top seeds face tricky tests, and the doubles court sees some of the world’s best specialists in action.

• Carlos Alcaraz [1] vs. Corentin Moutet [32]
  • Rod Laver Arena | Day session – Not before 1:30 PM AEDT
  • The world number 1, Carlos Alcaraz, returns to center stage in what promises to be an entertaining clash of styles. Alcaraz’s explosive power and speed will go head-to-head with the crafty, unpredictable lefty Corentin Moutet. Expect Alcaraz to hunt for forehand winners while Moutet tries to disrupt his rhythm with spins and dropshots. This is the marquee match of the day session.
• Daniil Medvedev [11] vs. Fabian Marozsan
  • Rod Laver Arena | Day session – From 11:30 AM AEDT
  • The “Chessmaster” Daniil Medvedev, seeded 11th this year, faces the dangerous Hungarian shot-maker Fabian Marozsan. Marozsan has a reputation for toppling giants with his flat, aggressive hitting. Medvedev will need his renowned defensive wall to be impenetrable today.
• Tommy Paul [19] vs. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina [14]
  • Rod Laver Arena | Day session – Follows Women’s Singles
  • This is a fascinating matchup between two of the most athletic players on tour. Tommy Paul’s speed and improved serve meet Davidovich Fokina’s high-octane intensity and flair. With closely matched seeds (19 vs. 14), this could easily go the distance in a five-set thriller.
• Andrey Rublev [13] vs. Francisco Cerundolo [18]
  • Court 3 | Day session – Follows Women’s Singles
  • Expect pure ball-striking violence in this one. Rublev’s forehand is one of the biggest weapons in the game, but Cerundolo is no slouch on the baseline. This battle of seeds #13 and #16 is a classic “pick ’em” match that could steal the show on the outer courts.
• Alexander Zverev [3] vs. Cameron Norrie [26]
  • John Cain Arena | Night session – Not before 6:30 PM AEDT
  • German and British stars collide in a match that screams entertainment. This night session clash is appointment viewing for fans who love the unpredictable.
• Frances Tiafoe [29] vs. Alex de Minaur [6]
  • Rod Laver Arena | Night session – From 7:00 PM AEDT
  • The night session on Rod Laver Arena features a blockbuster between American showman Frances Tiafoe and local hero Alex “Demon” de Minaur. The atmosphere will be electric as De Minaur looks to ride the home crowd’s energy against the charismatic Tiafoe.
• Learner Tien [25] vs. Nuno Borges
  • Kia Arena | Day session – From 11:00 AM AEDT
  • Rising star Learner Tien, seeded 25th, takes on the gritty Portuguese player Nuno Borges. John Cain Arena—”The People’s Court”—is the perfect venue for this battle, accessible to ground pass holders and known for its rowdy support.
• Kevin Krawietz & Tim Puetz [5] vs. Orlando Luz & Rafael Matos
  • Court 13 | Day session – From 11:00 AM AEDT
  • German precision meets South American flair in this doubles encounter. Krawietz and Puetz are Grand Slam champions and seeded 5th, making them heavy favorites, but the duo of Luz and Matos will fight for every point.
• Maximo Gonzalez & Andres Molteni [13] vs. Petr Nouza & Patrik Rikl
  • Court 8 | Day session – Follows Women’s Doubles
  • The 13th-seeded Argentine pair of Gonzalez and Molteni are tough outs on any surface. They bring veteran savvy and excellent net skills to Court 8.
• Neal Skupski & Christian Harrison [6] vs. Pedro Matinez & Jaume Munar
  • Court 13 | Day session – Not before 3:00 PM AEDT
  • Doubles specialist Neal Skupski teams up with Christian Harrison in a late-afternoon clash. Skupski’s hands at the net are world-class, making this a great clinic in doubles positioning.

Women’s Matches to Watch

The women’s draw on Day 6 features a mix of power hitters, tactical geniuses, and exciting doubles partnerships.

• Coco Gauff [8] vs. Hailey Baptiste
  • Margaret Court Arena | Day session – Not before 2:00 PM AEDT
  • American superstar Coco Gauff continues her campaign against compatriot Hailey Baptiste. Gauff, seeded 8th, will look to use her superior court coverage and backhand to neutralize Baptiste’s power. An all-American derby on the main stage!
• Aryna Sabalenka [1] vs. Anastasia Potapova
  • Rod Laver Arena | Day session – From 11:30 AM AEDT
  • Defending champion vibes? Aryna Sabalenka opens the play on Rod Laver Arena. Her relentless aggression and booming serve make her the player to beat. She will look to make a quick statement in this third-round encounter.
• Mirra Andreeva [8] vs. Elena Gabriela Ruse
  • Rod Laver Arena | Night session – Follows Tiafoe/De Minaur
• Jasmine Paolini [7] vs. Iva Jovic [29]
  • John Cain Arena | Night session – From 5:00 PM AEDT
• Karolina Muchova [19] vs. Magda Linette
  • Kia Arena | Day session – Follows Sonmez/Putintseva
  • Tennis purists, this one is for you. Karolina Muchova (19th seed) possesses one of the most versatile games on tour, full of slices and net approaches. She faces the consistent and experienced Magda Linette in a high-quality matchup.
• Victoria Mboko [17] vs. Clara Tauson
  • John Cain Arena | Day session – From 11:00 AM AEDT
  • Canadian rising star Victoria Mboko, seeded 17th, meets the fiery Danish star Clara Tauson, known for her flat, hard hitting, she can blast anyone off the court when she’s in the zone. Keep an eye on her as a potential dark horse in this draw.
• Nick Kyrgios & Leylah Fernandez [WC] vs. Neal Skupski & Desirae Krawczyk
  • ANZ Arena | Day session – Not before 5:00 PM AEDT
  • Must-Watch Alert! The wildcard pairing of Nick Kyrgios and Leylah Fernandez in Mixed Doubles is box office gold. The showman Kyrgios and the fiery competitor Fernandez teaming up? Expect a packed crowd on ANZ Arena for pure entertainment.

Tournament Essentials: The Australian Open Experience

The 2026 Australian Open is more than just a tennis tournament; it’s a global celebration of sport and summer.

• Venue: The action unfolds at the stunning Melbourne Park precinct. From the coliseum-like atmosphere of Rod Laver Arena to the intimate energy of the outside courts, every corner of the venue offers a unique view of the world’s best athletes.
• Dates: The tournament spans three thrilling weeks, running from January 12 to February 1, 2026.
• Prize Money: The stakes have never been higher. The total prize money pool has hit a record AUD $111.5 million.
  • Singles Champions: The winners will walk away with a life-changing AUD $4.15 million.
  • First Round: Even players who bow out in the first round receive AUD $150,000, rewarding their journey to the main draw.
• Broadcast & Fans: With millions tuning in globally and hundreds of thousands passing through the gates, the “Happy Slam” continues to be the fan-favorite Grand Slam. The introduction of the “Party Court” at Kia Arena and the buzzing Garden Square ensures the entertainment never stops, even when the tennis takes a break.

So, grab your sunscreen (or your blanket for the night session!), pick your favorite match, and enjoy a phenomenal Day 6 of tennis at the 2026 Australian Open!

Full schedule: https://ausopen.com/schedule#!43230