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
| Date | Tournament Day | Key Events & Rounds | Key Matches | Highlights | Full Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon 12 Jan | Qualifying Day 1 | Qualifying Start: Men’s & Women’s Singles | – | Highlights | |
| Tue 13 Jan | Qualifying Day 2 | Qualifying Singles continue | – | Highlights | |
| Wed 14 Jan | Qualifying Day 3 | Qualifying Singles continue | – | Highlights | |
| Thu 15 Jan | Qualifying Day 4 | Qualifying Singles continue | – | Highlights | |
| Sun 18 Jan | Main Draw Day 1 | Round 1 Start: Men’s & Women’s Singles | Key Matches | Highlights | Full Schedule |
| Mon 19 Jan | Main Draw Day 2 | Men’s & Women’s Singles continue | Key Matches | Highlights | Full Schedule |
| Tue 20 Jan | Main Draw Day 3 | Men’s & Women’s Singles, Doubles | Key Matches | Full Schedule | |
| Wed 21 Jan | Main Draw Day 4 | Round 1 Start: Mixed Doubles; Singles & Doubles continue | Key Matches | Full Schedule | |
| Thu 22 Jan | Main Draw Day 5 | Men’s & Women’s Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles | |||
| Fri 23 Jan | Main Draw Day 6 | Singles, Doubles, Mixed Doubles, Juniors Start | |||
| Sat 24 Jan | Main Draw Day 7 | Junior Singles Start; Pro Singles & Doubles continue | |||
| Sun 25 Jan | Main Draw Day 8 | Wheelchair Events Start; Singles & Doubles continue | |||
| Mon 26 Jan | Main Draw Day 9 | Singles (R4), Doubles, Juniors, Wheelchair Events | |||
| Tue 27 Jan | Main Draw Day 10 | Quarterfinals Start: Men’s & Women’s Singles | |||
| Wed 28 Jan | Main Draw Day 11 | Quarterfinals: Men’s & Women’s Singles; Semifinals: Mixed Doubles | |||
| Thu 29 Jan | Main Draw Day 12 | Semifinals: Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles | |||
| Fri 30 Jan | Main Draw Day 13 | Finals: Mixed Doubles; Semifinals: Men’s Singles | |||
| Sat 31 Jan | Main Draw Day 14 | Finals: Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles | |||
| Sun 01 Feb | Main Draw Day 15 | Finals: Men’s Singles |
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.
