The Australian Open 2026 is just around the corner, with a packed two-week schedule of tournaments set to ignite excitement Down Under. The main draw of the Australian Open will commence on January 18 at Melbourne Park, promising three weeks of unforgettable tennis and entertainment.
Warm-up Events
The 2026 season kicks off with the United Cup on January 2, running alongside other events throughout the week. This mixed-teams event, held in Perth and Sydney, will feature top players, including Coco Gauff, Taylor Fritz, Iga Swiatek, and Alexander Zverev.
Simultaneously, the Brisbane International will be headlined by Aryna Sabalenka, the defending champion. Other options for WTA stars include the Adelaide International (WTA 500, January 12–17), the ASB Classic in Auckland (WTA 250, January 5-11) and the Hobart International (WTA 250, January 12-17).
In the second week, the ATP-WTA Adelaide International, featuring Novak Djokovic, will take place from January 12-17, along with a WTA 250 tournament in Hobart. Auckland will host a WTA tournament from January 5-11, followed by an ATP event at the same venue from January 12-17. An ATP event will also be held in Hong Kong from January 5-11.
Players to Watch
Several top players are gearing up for the Australian Open through these warm-up tournaments. Iga Swiatek will represent Poland at the United Cup, while Aryna Sabalenka will defend her title at the Brisbane International. Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys are set to play in both Brisbane and Adelaide.
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, however, will be absent from the pre-Australian Open tournaments, opting instead for an exhibition match in Incheon, South Korea, on January 10. Alcaraz has expressed his ambition to win the Australian Open, which is the only Grand Slam missing from his collection.
Seventeen-year-old Cruz Hewitt, son of Lleyton Hewitt, is preparing to make an impact at the Australian Open 2026, given a wildcard to Australian Open men's qualifying.
New Initiatives and Fan Experiences
The Australian Open 2026 promises a blend of world-class tennis and entertainment. Opening Week, spanning from January 12-17, offers fans opportunities to witness AO qualifying, charity matches, and open practice sessions. The Opening Week will feature charity matches and fun activities. A highlight is the "Million Dollar 1 Point Slam," where 22 pros and 10 amateurs will compete for a million-dollar prize.
AO Live, the Australian Open’s 21-day music and entertainment festival, will transform Melbourne Park into a summer party hub. Each night, fans can enjoy live performances, DJ sets and headline concerts across multiple stages.
Tournament Details
The Australian Open 2026 will run from January 12 to February 1, with the main draw commencing on January 18. The women's singles final is scheduled for January 31, followed by the men's singles final on February 1.
Qualifying rounds will begin on January 12, with 256 men and women competing for 32 main draw spots. The draw ceremony will be held on January 15.
The ATP events will introduce a new rule to address extreme heat, allowing for 10-minute breaks during best-of-three-sets matches, similar to a WTA rule implemented over 30 years ago.
With a range of activities and matches, the Australian Open 2026 is set to be an unforgettable experience for tennis enthusiasts and casual fans alike.
