Australian Open 2026: Day 5 Schedule of Play and Match Highlights (Jan 22nd)

The 2026 Australian Open is in full swing, and Day 5, scheduled for Thursday, January 22, 2026, promises to be an absolute blockbuster. As the tournament moves into the heart of the first week, the stakes are rising with the Singles Second Round (Round of 64) and the commencement of the Doubles First Round (Round of 64). Melbourne Park is buzzing, the crowds are electric, and the lineup for the day is nothing short of spectacular.

Here is your comprehensive guide to the can’t-miss action on Day 5, highlighting the biggest names and most intriguing matchups across the grounds.

Men’s Singles: Titans and Turmoil (Round 2)

The bottom half of the draw takes center stage, featuring legends, defending champions, and rising stars looking to make their mark.

1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) [4] vs. Francesco Maestrelli (ITA)

Court: Rod Laver Arena (Day Session), not before 1:30 pm AEDT
The 10-time Australian Open champion, Novak Djokovic, continues his quest for yet another title at his most successful Grand Slam. Seeded 4th this year, Djokovic faces Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli. While Djokovic is the overwhelming favorite, night matches on Rod Laver Arena often bring out the best in challengers inspired by the big stage. Expect Djokovic to look for a clinical performance to conserve energy for the second week.

2. Jannik Sinner (ITA) [2] vs. James Duckworth (AUS)

Court: Rod Laver Arena (Night Session), from 7:00 pm AEDT
Defending champion Jannik Sinner returns to Rod Laver Arena to face local favorite James Duckworth. Sinner, who claimed his maiden major here in 2025, will have to contend not just with Duckworth’s gritty game but also with a partisan Aussie crowd. Duckworth, a wildcard entry, lives for these moments, but Sinner’s baseline power and court coverage will be a massive hurdle to overcome.

3. Ben Shelton (USA) [8] vs. Dane Sweeny (AUS)

Court: John Cain Arena (Day Session)
Expect fireworks at John Cain Arena—often dubbed “The People’s Court”—as the explosive American Ben Shelton takes on Aussie qualifier Dane Sweeny. Shelton’s booming serve and athleticism are tailor-made for these high-energy atmospheres. Sweeny will have the crowd roaring with every point, making this a potential five-set thriller if the American lets the environment get to him.

4. Taylor Fritz (USA) [9] vs. Vit Kopriva (CZE)

Court: John Cain Arena (Night Session)
American No. 1 Taylor Fritz, seeded 9th, squares off against the Czech Republic’s Vit Kopriva. Fritz has established himself as a consistent force at the majors and will be looking to dictate play with his powerful forehand. Kopriva will need to disrupt Fritz’s rhythm to have a chance at an upset in the night session.

5. Casper Ruud (NOR) [12] vs. Jaume Munar (ESP)

Court: Margaret Court Arena (Night Session)
The steady and tactical Casper Ruud faces clay-court specialist Jaume Munar. While hard courts aren’t traditionally Munar’s preference, his grinding style can frustrate anyone. Ruud will look to use his heavy topspin forehand to push Munar back and control the rallies.

6. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) [31] vs. Tomas Machac (CZE)

Court: ANZ Arena (Day Session)
A fascinating clash awaits as Stefanos Tsitsipas, a former finalist here, takes on the dangerous Tomas Machac. Tsitsipas has seen a dip in his ranking to No. 31, but he loves the conditions in Melbourne, often supported by the vibrant Greek community. Machac is a clean striker of the ball capable of beating top players, making this a “popcorn match” for the day.

7. Stan Wawrinka (SUI) vs. Arthur Gea (FRA)

Court: Kia Arena (Day Session)
Fan-favorite and former champion Stan “The Man” Wawrinka, playing as a wildcard, takes on French qualifier Arthur Gea. Wawrinka’s legendary one-handed backhand is always a drawcard, and the intimate Kia Arena will be packed to see if the veteran has one more magical run left in him.

8. Hubert Hurkacz (POL) vs. Ethan Quinn (USA)

Court: 1573 Arena
Big-serving Hubert Hurkacz faces young American Ethan Quinn. Matches involving Hurkacz often feature tiebreaks due to his dominant serve, so a few points could decide the outcome here. Quinn will need to be sharp on his returns to gain any foothold in the match.

Women’s Singles: Queens of the Court (Round 2)

The women’s draw is stacked with headline acts on Day 5, featuring the World No. 1 and the defending champion.

1. Jessica Pegula (USA) [6] vs. McCartney Kessler (USA)

Court: Rod Laver Arena (Day Session), from 11:30 am AEDT
It’s an all-American battle as the 6th seed Jessica Pegula takes on compatriot McCartney Kessler. Pegula is known for her consistency and clean hitting, making her a heavy favorite. However, familiar foes can sometimes produce tricky matches.

2. Elena Rybakina (KAZ) [5] vs. Varvara Gracheva (FRA)

Court: Rod Laver Arena (Night Session)
Powerhouse Elena Rybakina, the 5th seed, faces Varvara Gracheva under the lights. Rybakina’s serve is one of the biggest weapons on the WTA tour, and if it’s firing, Gracheva will have a very short night.

3. Naomi Osaka (JPN) [16] vs. Sorana Cirstea (ROU)

Court: Margaret Court Arena (Night Session), from 7:00 pm AEDT
Two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka, seeded 16th, faces the experienced Sorana Cirstea. Osaka has looked sharp in her return to top form, but Cirstea is a giant-killer who has upset top seeds at majors before. This has all the makings of a high-quality baseline slugfest.

4. Iga Swiatek (POL) [2] vs. Marie Bouzkova (CZE)

Court: John Cain Arena (Night Session), from 5:00 pm AEDT
World No. 2 Iga Swiatek takes on the tenacious Marie Bouzkova. Bouzkova is one of the best movers on tour and will make Swiatek hit an extra ball in every rally. Swiatek’s aggression versus Bouzkova’s defense will be the key dynamic to watch.

5. Madison Keys (USA) [9] vs. Ashlyn Krueger (USA)

Court: John Cain Arena (Day Session), from 11:00 am AEDT
Defending champion Madison Keys begins the second hurdle of her title defense against fellow American Ashlyn Krueger. Keys’ triumph in 2025 was a career-defining moment, and she loves the Melbourne hard courts. Krueger is a rising talent with a big game, but Keys’ experience should prevail.

6. Amanda Anisimova (USA) [4] vs. Katerina Siniakova (CZE)

Court: Margaret Court Arena (Day Session), not before 1:30 pm AEDT
Fourth seed Amanda Anisimova faces a tricky test in Katerina Siniakova. While Siniakova is a doubles legend (and defending doubles champion), she is a very capable singles player who can mix up the pace. Anisimova will need to keep her unforced error count low.

7. Paula Badosa (ESP) [25] vs. Oksana Selekhmeteva

Court: 1573 Arena (Day Session), from 11:00 am AEDT
Paula Badosa, seeded 25th, looks to continue her comeback up the rankings against Oksana Selekhmeteva. Badosa’s intensity and heavy hitting are formidable when she is healthy and confident.

8. Belinda Bencic (SUI) [10] vs. Nela Bartunkova (CZE)

Court: ANZ Arena
Tenth seed and Olympic Gold Medalist Belinda Bencic takes on Czech qualifier Nela Bartunkova. Bencic’s ability to take the ball early takes time away from opponents, a strategy she will likely employ to rush her younger opponent.

Doubles Delights: The Power of Two (Round 1)

Doubles action kicks off in earnest on Day 5, and the crowds will be flocking to see some entertaining pairings.

1. Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) / Nick Kyrgios (AUS) vs. Jason Kubler (AUS) / Marc Polmans (AUS)

Court: Kia Arena, not before 4:00 pm AEDT
The headline doubles match of the day! The “Special Ks”—Kokkinakis and Kyrgios—reunite to take on fellow Aussies Kubler and Polmans. Expect a raucous, Davis Cup-like atmosphere at Kia Arena. This match will be pure entertainment, filled with trick shots, drama, and immense power.

2. Simone Bolelli (ITA) / Andrea Vavassori (ITA) [7] vs. Ray Ho (TPE) / Hendrik Jebens (GER)

Court: Court 5, from 11:00am AEDT
The Italian 7th seeds, Bolelli and Vavassori, are a well-oiled machine known for their chemistry and tactical discipline. They are dark horses for the title and should provide a masterclass in doubles positioning.

3. Harri Heliovaara (FIN) / Henry Patten (GBR) [2] vs. D. Hidalgo (ECU) / C. Trhac (USA)

Court: Court 8
Defending men’s doubles champions Heliovaara and Patten, seeded 2nd, start their title defense. Their run to the title in 2025 was a fairytale, and they will be eager to prove they are here to stay at the top of the game.

Tournament Information: The Happy Slam

The Australian Open, often called the “Happy Slam” by players, is the first Grand Slam of the year and a festival of tennis.

Dates: The 2026 main draw runs from January 18 to February 1, taking advantage of the Australian summer.
Venue: The tournament is held at the iconic Melbourne Park, which features three main stadiums with retractable roofs: Rod Laver Arena (approx. 15,000 capacity), John Cain Arena (10,500), and Margaret Court Arena (7,500), ensuring play continues regardless of rain or extreme heat.
Prize Money: The 2026 tournament features a record-breaking prize pool of AUD $111.5 million. The singles champions will each take home a staggering AUD $4.15 million, while first-round participants receive $150,000, ensuring financial support for players at all levels.
Grounds: Beyond the tennis, fans enjoy the “Grand Slam Oval” and “Garden Square,” which offer live music, diverse food options, and a festive atmosphere that makes the Australian Open a unique sporting experience.

Enjoy the tennis, and keep an eye on those upsets! Day 5 is sure to deliver unforgettable moments.

Full schedule: https://ausopen.com/schedule#!43229