How to Watch the Australian Open 2026 in Australia and New Zealand
The 2026 tennis season is kicking off with a bang at the first Grand Slam of the year: the Australian Open. From January 12 to February 1, 2026, the eyes of the sporting world will be fixed on Melbourne Park as legends defend their titles and new stars emerge on the iconic blue hard courts.
Whether you are cheering from your living room in Sydney or streaming on the go in Auckland, there are multiple ways to catch every serve, volley, and match point. Below is your complete guide to watching the Australian Open 2026 in Australia and New Zealand.
How to Watch in Australia
In Australia, the tournament is broadcast through a partnership between the Nine Network (free-to-air) and Stan Sport (ad-free premium streaming). This hybrid model ensures that every Aussie has access to the action, whether you want a free overview or a deep dive into every single court.
1. The Free Option: 9Now and Channel 9
For most viewers, the Nine Network is the home of the Australian Open. Channel 9 provides extensive free-to-air coverage of the biggest matches on their primary TV channels.
- Streaming (9Now): If you prefer watching on your mobile, tablet, or smart TV, 9Now is the dedicated free streaming platform. It offers live streams of the main show courts and catch-up highlights.
- Cost: Free (Login required).
- How to Watch: Download the app or visit the website here: Watch on 9Now.
2. The Premium Option: Stan Sport
For the hardcore tennis fan who wants total control, Stan Sport is the “must-have” service. As an add-on to a standard Stan subscription, it offers every match from every court, live and on-demand.
- Ad-Free & 4K: Unlike the free-to-air broadcast, Stan Sport is completely ad-free. Furthermore, select matches (usually on Rod Laver Arena) are broadcast in stunning 4K Ultra HD, offering a cinematic viewing experience.
- Cost: You will need a base Stan subscription (starting at roughly $12/month) plus the Stan Sport add-on (approx. $15/month). Note: Prices are subject to change; check the official site for the latest tiers.
- How to Watch: You can sign up and start streaming here: Watch on Stan Sport.
How to Watch in New Zealand
Across the ditch, Sky New Zealand holds the exclusive rights to the tournament. They offer a comprehensive viewing experience that ranges from free-to-air teasers to dedicated 24/7 tennis channels.
1. The Full Experience: Sky Sport & Sky Sport Now
Sky is the primary broadcaster, and they typically dedicate multiple channels solely to the Australian Open for the duration of the tournament.
- Sky Sport Now: This is the perfect option for Kiwis who don’t have a traditional Sky Box or satellite dish. It is a standalone streaming app that lets you purchase a Week, Month, or Annual Pass to watch instant live sport.
- Sky Box/Pod: Traditional subscribers can watch on their TV via the Sky Sport channels. For 2026, Sky has also been rolling out 4K UHD coverage for major events on their new Sky Box and Pods, ensuring you see every ball scuff mark in crystal clear detail.
- Where to Subscribe: You can find packages and start watching here: Sky New Zealand.
2. The Free Option: Sky Open
Formerly known as Prime, Sky Open is Sky’s free-to-air channel (Freeview Channel 15). While they won’t show every match, they traditionally broadcast select coverage of key matches, particularly those involving Kiwi players or the major finals. It is a great way to dip into the tournament without a subscription.
Tournament Overview: What You Need to Know
Beyond just how to watch, here is what you need to know about the 2026 edition of the “Happy Slam.”
Key Dates
- Qualifying Rounds: January 12 – January 17, 2026. (Great for spotting up-and-coming talent).
- Main Draw Begins: Sunday, January 18, 2026.
- Women’s Final: Saturday, January 31, 2026.
- Men’s Final: Sunday, February 1, 2026.
Players to Watch
The 2026 field is stacked with talent. Fans will be keeping a close eye on:
- Jannik Sinner & Carlos Alcaraz: The new rivalry dominating men’s tennis. Both have proven they excel on hard courts and will likely be the top seeds to beat.
- Aryna Sabalenka: A dominant force on the Australian hard courts in recent years, she will be looking to defend her incredible record in Melbourne.
- The Aussie & Kiwi Hopefuls: Local crowds will be rowdy for homegrown talents like Alex de Minaur (AUS) and any New Zealand doubles specialists making a run deep into the second week.
The “Sunday Start”
Just like in recent years, the 2026 tournament features a Sunday start for the Main Draw (January 18). This addition was made to reduce the number of late-night finishes that historically plagued the schedule. This means you get an extra day of world-class tennis to enjoy over the opening weekend!
Mobile & Smart TV Features
Both 9Now and Sky Sport Now have invested heavily in their app infrastructures. Expect features like “Start Over” (if you tune in late), “Mini Matches” (condensed highlights), and multi-court viewing where you can switch between simultaneous matches at the click of a button.
Whether you are tuning in via 9Now, Stan Sport, or Sky NZ, the 2026 Australian Open promises to be a spectacular display of athleticism. Make sure your subscription is active, your internet is ready, and your schedule is clear for two weeks of summer tennis action.
