With the new year comes a new tennis season, and it kicks off in Melbourne, Australia, where the world’s best men’s and women’s tennis players gather for the year’s first Grand Slam event: the Australian Open. The energy of a fresh season, combined with the picturesque Australian summer and the tournament’s fast hardcourt surface sets the stage for high-intensity matches and early-season momentum.
From the 2026 Australian Open schedule to the top men’s and women’s seeds, here’s everything you need to know as the tournament gets underway.
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2026 Australian Open Schedule & TV Coverage (Singles)
The 2026 Australian Open begins with qualifying rounds on Sunday, January 11, and runs through the women’s final on January 31 and the men’s final on February 1.
Below is a day-by-day breakdown of the Men’s and Women’s Singles schedule, along with U.S. TV coverage information, so you know exactly when the tournament’s biggest matches will be played and how to watch.
Dates reflect U.S. Eastern Time (ET).
| Date | Rounds in Play | TV Coverage (US/Eastern) |
| Sat, Jan 17 | Men’s & Women’s Singles – Round 1 | ESPN+: 3:00–5:30 AM (Opening Ceremony), 7:00 PM–5:00 AM • ESPN2: 10:00 PM–3:00 AM • Tennis Channel: 3:00 AM (Opening Ceremony), 5:00–7:00 PM |
| Sun, Jan 18 | Men’s & Women’s Singles -Round 1 | ESPN: 3:00–7:00 AM; 7:00 PM–3:00 AM • ESPN+: Overnight & evening multi-court • Tennis Channel: 10:00 AM–1:00 PM; 5:00–7:00 PM |
| Mon, Jan 19 | Men’s & Women’s Singles -Round 1 | ESPN2: 3:00–7:00 AM; 8:00–11:00 AM; 11:15 PM–3:00 AM • ESPN+: Continuous • Tennis Channel: 11:00 AM–2:00 PM; 5:00–7:00 PM |
| Tue, Jan 20 | Men’s & Women’s Singles -Round 1 → Round 2 begins | ESPN2: 3:00–7:00 AM; 12:00–3:00 PM; 9:00 PM–3:00 AM • ESPN+: All day & night • Tennis Channel: 7:00–10:00 AM; 3:00–5:00 PM; 5:00–7:00 PM |
| Wed, Jan 21 | Men’s & Women’s Singles -Round 2 | ESPN2: 3:00–7:00 AM; 2:00–5:00 PM; 9:00 PM–3:00 AM • ESPN+: Continuous • Tennis Channel: 7:00–10:00 AM; 5:00–7:00 PM |
| Thu, Jan 22 | Men’s & Women’s Singles -Round 2 | ESPN2: 3:00–7:00 AM; 2:00–5:00 PM; 9:00 PM–3:00 AM • ESPN+: Continuous • Tennis Channel: 7:00–10:00 AM; 5:00–7:00 PM |
| Fri, Jan 23 | Men’s & Women’s Singles -Round 3 begins | ESPN2: 3:00–7:00 AM; 2:00–5:00 PM; 9:00 PM–3:00 AM • ESPN+: Continuous • Tennis Channel: 7:00–10:00 AM; 5:00–7:00 PM |
| Sat, Jan 24 | Men’s & Women’s Singles -Round 3 | ESPN2: 3:00–7:00 AM; 7:00–10:00 AM; 8:00 PM–3:00 AM • ESPN+: Continuous • Tennis Channel: 10:00 AM–1:00 PM; 5:00–7:00 PM |
| Sun, Jan 25 | Men’s & Women’s Singles -Round 4 (Round of 16) begins | ESPN2: 3:00–7:00 AM; 7:30–10:30 AM; 8:00 PM–3:00 AM • ESPN+: Continuous • Tennis Channel: 10:30 AM–1:30 PM; 5:00–7:00 PM |
| Mon, Jan 26 | Men’s & Women’s Singles -Quarterfinals begin | ESPN: 3:00–7:00 AM • ESPN2: 3:00–7:00 AM; 12:00–3:00 PM; 9:00 PM–1:00 AM • ESPN+: Continuous • Tennis Channel: 7:00–10:00 AM; 3:00–5:00 PM; 5:00–7:00 PM |
| Tue, Jan 27 | Men’s & Women’s Singles -Quarterfinals | ESPN: 3:00–7:00 AM • ESPN2: 1:00–4:00 PM; 9:00 PM–1:00 AM • ESPN+: Continuous |
| Wed, Jan 28 | Women’s Singles Semifinals | ESPN: 3:00–7:00 AM • ESPN2: 11:30 AM–2:30 PM • ESPN+: Continuous |
| Thu, Jan 29 | Men’s Singles Semifinals | ESPN: 10:30 PM–1:00 AM (Pre-show at 10:00 PM) • ESPN2: 3:00–6:00 PM • ESPN+: Continuous |
| Fri, Jan 30 | Doubles Finals; Lead-in to Championships | ESPN: 3:30–6:00 AM • ESPN2: 2:00–5:00 PM • ESPN+: Finals & doubles coverage |
| Sat, Jan 31 | Women’s Singles Final | ESPN: 3:30–5:30 AM • ESPN2: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM (Encore) • ESPN+: Finals & juniors |
| Sun, Feb 1 | Men’s Singles Final | ESPN: 3:30–6:30 AM • ESPN2: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM; 9:30 PM–12:30 AM (Encore) |
Full 2026 Australian Open Event Schedule
Below you’ll find a full Australian Open Main Draw schedule for every category.
Dates reflect U.S. Eastern Time (ET).
Day 1 — Saturday, January 17
Men’s & Women’s Singles
- Round 1 begins
Day 2 — Sunday, January 18
Men’s & Women’s Singles
- Round 1 continues
Doubles
- Men’s Doubles (Round 1)
- Women’s Doubles (Round 1)
Day 3 — Monday, January 19
Men’s & Women’s Singles
- Round 1 continues
Doubles
- Men’s Doubles
- Women’s Doubles
Day 4 — Tuesday, January 20
Men’s & Women’s Singles
- Round 1 continues
Doubles
- Mixed Doubles (Round 1 begins)
- Men’s & Women’s Doubles continue
Day 5 — Wednesday, January 21
Men’s & Women’s Singles
- Round 2 begins
Doubles
- Men’s Doubles
- Women’s Doubles
- Mixed Doubles
Day 6 — Thursday, January 22
Men’s & Women’s Singles
- Round 2 continues
Doubles
- Men’s Doubles
- Women’s Doubles
- Mixed Doubles
Day 7 — Friday, January 23
Men’s & Women’s Singles
- Round 3 begins
Juniors & Legends
- Junior Boys Singles (Round 1)
- Junior Girls Singles (Round 1)
- AO Legends Trophy begins
Doubles
- Men’s, Women’s & Mixed Doubles continue
Day 8 — Saturday, January 24
Men’s & Women’s Singles
- Round 3 continues
Juniors, Wheelchair & Legends
- Junior Boys & Girls Doubles (Round 1)
- Wheelchair Singles & Doubles (Men’s, Women’s, Quad)
- AO Legends Trophy
Day 9 — Sunday, January 25
Men’s & Women’s Singles
- Round 4 begins (Round of 16)
Doubles
- Men’s, Women’s & Mixed Doubles continue
Juniors & Wheelchair
- Junior Boys Singles & Doubles
- Wheelchair Singles & Doubles (Men’s, Women’s, Quad)
- AO Legends Trophy
Day 10 — Monday, January 26
Men’s & Women’s Singles
- Quarterfinals begin
Doubles
- Women’s Doubles (Quarterfinals)
- Mixed Doubles (Quarterfinals)
Juniors & Wheelchair
- Junior Singles & Doubles
- Wheelchair Singles
- AO Legends Trophy
Day 11 — Tuesday, January 27
Men’s & Women’s Singles
- Quarterfinals continue
Doubles
- Men’s & Women’s Doubles (Quarterfinals)
- Mixed Doubles (Semifinals)
Juniors & Wheelchair
- Junior Singles & Doubles
- Wheelchair Singles & Doubles
- AO Legends Trophy
Day 12 — Wednesday, January 28
Women’s Singles
Semifinals
Doubles
- Men’s Doubles (Semifinals)
- Women’s Doubles (Semifinals)
Wheelchair & Juniors
- Wheelchair Singles (Men’s & Women’s)
- Junior Singles & Doubles
- AO Legends Trophy
Day 13 — Thursday, January 29
Men’s Singles
Semifinals
Finals
- Mixed Doubles
- Wheelchair Doubles
- Boys & Girls Doubles
Juniors
- Junior Singles (Quarterfinals)
Day 14 — Friday, January 30
Finals
- Men’s Doubles
- Women’s Doubles
- Wheelchair Singles
Juniors
- Boys & Girls Singles (Semifinals)
Day 15 — Saturday, January 31
Finals
- Women’s Singles
- Boys Singles
- Girls Singles
Day 16 — Sunday, February 1
Finals
- Men’s Singles
2026 Australian Open Men’s Top Seeds
Here’s a breakdown of the top men’s singles seeds heading into the 2026 Australian Open.
Note: The official seedings for the 2026 Australian Open will be released shortly before the main draw and could differ from the rankings-based projections listed here.
Carlos Alcaraz
World #1 – 2025 French Open and 2025 US Open Champion
Carlos Alcaraz joined prestigious ranks in 2025 as one of the few players in tennis history to win multiple Grand Slams in the same year. He reached the final at three of the four 2025 majors, further cementing his place among the sport’s elite.
As he heads into the 2026 Australian Open, Alcaraz is one title away from completing a career Grand Slam, with the Australian Open representing the lone major missing from his résumé. His pursuit of that milestone comes amid a significant change, as longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero will not be in his corner after the pair announced their split heading into the new year.
Already one of the most accomplished young players the game has seen, Alcaraz begins the tournament without a new coach and with the opportunity to claim that elusive fourth Grand Slam title.
Jannik Sinner
World #2 – 2025 Australian Open Champion, 2025 Wimbledon Champion
Sinner had an arguably more impressive 2025 than the top ranked Alcaraz. He won his second straight Australian Open to start the year, finished second to Alcaraz in the French Open, beat Alcaraz at Wimbledon and then lost to Alcaraz at the US Open.
He and Alcaraz form a clear top two in the world rankings, having battled in three straight major finals. The 24-year-old Sinner is out for his third straight Australian Open, his fourth major win in his last six chances and his third consecutive year of multiple Grand Slam wins.
Alexander Zverev
World #3 – 2025 Australian Open Finalist
Zverev started 2025 on a hot streak. He reached the Australian Open final and then the French Open quarterfinal and finished in the top four at the National Bank Open, Cincinnati Open, Erste Bank Open and Rolex Paris Masters.
A 57-25 record on the year helped cushion his first round exit at Wimbledon and third round exit at the US Open. Zverev is hoping for another strong start to the year in Melbourne.
Novak Djoković
World #4 – Semifinalist in all four Grand Slam tournaments in 2025
Novak Djoković showed few signs of slowing down in 2025. The oldest ranked player in the top 50, he reached the semifinal in all four major tournaments. Sure, you can say Djoković hasn’t won a Grand Slam in back-to-back years for the first time since 2009-2010, but we’re splitting some serious hairs.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion enters his 23rd season aiming to win his best tournament. Djoković has won a record 10 Australian Opens with a superb 99-10 record.
Félix Auger-Aliassime
World #5 – 2025 European Open Champion, 2025 US Open Semifinalist, 2025 Paris Masters Finalist
Auger-Aliassime closed 2025 by reaching the US Open semifinals, the Shanghai Masters Quarterfinal and the Paris Masters final. That momentum vaulted the 25-year-old Canadian to the world’s fifth ranked singles player and made him the highest ranked singles player in Canadian history.
Auger-Aliassime is an all-court player known for wearing down opponents with a big serve, full court coverage and intensity. In the AO, held at the peak of Australia’s summer, that style is high risk/high reward.
Taylor Fritz
World #6 – 2025 Wimbledon semifinalist and 2025 US Open Quarterfinalist
Taylor Fritz finished 2025 with his third straight year of 50+ wins on the circuit. He took home two singles titles at the BOSS Open and the Eastbourne International and had his best career finish at Wimbledon where he lost to two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in four sets.
The California native is looking to rebound from a third round exit in last year’s Australian Open and continues the quest for his first career Grand Slam title.
Alex de Minaur
World #7 – 2025 Citi DC Open Champion
Alex De Minaur had his best year as a pro in 2025, racking up 56 wins and quarterfinal appearances at the Australian Open and the US Open. In 2024, De Minaur reached the quarterfinal in three of the four Grand Slam tournaments.
Known for his elite court coverage, De Minaur’s path to the finals relies on his ability to extend points and wear out his opponents. He’d also likely need to beat the guy who sent him home in three of the last four tournaments: world #2 Jannik Sinner.
Lorenzo Musetti
World #8 – 2025 French Open Semifinalist, 2025 US Open Quarterfinalist
The 23-year-old Musetti had his best year as a pro in 2025. He set a new career-high with 45 wins and finished in the top eight or better in two of four major tournaments. He was forced to retire in the French Open semifinal against Carlos Alcaraz and lost in straight sets to eventual runner-up Jannik Sinner.
Historically, the Australian Open is Musetti’s weakest tournament. He had his best finish in 2025, making it to the third round before losing to Ben Shelton in four sets. Still early in his career, Musetti has one of the best backhands on tour and had a chance to take another step forward in the new year.
Ben Shelton
World #9 – 2025 Canadian Open Champion, 2025 Australian Open Semifinalist, 2025 Wimbledon Quarterfinalist
Shelton is one of the most exciting players on tour. The 23-year-old southpaw has one of the world’s best serves that creates destructive streaks for his opponents. If he is able to complement that with a broader skillset, he could pose a serious challenge to Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Shelton was 0-2 against the world’s top two players last year. He lost in straight sets to Sinner in the Australian Open semifinal and in four sets to Alcaraz (the eventual champion) in the fourth round at Roland Garros.
Jack Draper
World #10 – 2025 Paribas Open Champion, 2025 Madrid Open Finalist
Jack Draper had a rollercoaster 2025. A hip injury knocked him out of a fourth round match against Carlos Alcaraz in last year’s Australian Open.
But he returned a month later for the Paribas Open at Indian Wells where he beat Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton and Alcaraz on his way to a title. The next month he took Casper Ruud to three sets in the Madrid Open final.
Draper reached the fourth round at Roland Garros, the second round at Wimbledon then retired from the second round of the US Open with a left-side injury that ended his year.
Draper will enter the year with Jamie Delgado as his new coach. Delgado previously helped fellow Brit Andy Murray win the Wimbledon final in 2016.
2026 Australian Open Women’s Top Seeds
Here’s a look at the top women’s singles seeds heading into the 2026 Australian Open.
Aryna Sabalenka
World #1 – Two-time Australian Open champion, 2024 & 2025 US Open Champion
Sabalenka had a third straight dominant year in 2025. She won a career best 63 matches and she took home her second US Open along with the Miami Open and Madrid Open. The year culminated with her winning her second WTA Player of the Year in a row.
Even her “low lights” were impressive. Sabalenka was denied a threepeat at last year’s Australian Open when she was upset in three sets to Madison Keys in the final. She lost in three sets to Coco Gauff in the French Open final and in three sets to Amanda Anisimova in the Wimbledon semifinal.
Iga Świątek
World #2 – 2025 Wimbledon Champion, 2025 Cincinnati Open Champion
The 24-year-old Świątek had a blistering summer in 2025. She won the Wimbledon final 6-0, 6-0 and followed that up three weeks later with a Cincinnati Open win in straight sets.
The rest of the year wasn’t too bad either. She reached the semis in the Australian Open and French Open and the quarterfinals in the US Open. A six-time Grand Slam champion, Świątek is just an Australian Open title away from becoming the seventh women’s tennis player to pull off the career Grand Slam.
Coco Gauff
World #3 – 2025 French Open Champion, 2025 Australian Open Quarterfinalist
It was a rollercoaster year for Gauff, with a quarterfinals appearance at last year’s Australian Open followed up with a French Open title where she outdueled Aryna Sabalenka in a wind-whipped final. Gauff now has a singles and doubles championship at Roland Garros.
The second half of her year was a bit of a letdown. A first round upset loss at Wimbledon was followed up with a fourth round loss at the US Open. She’ll look to start the year strong as she seeks her first Australian Open title.
Amanda Anisimova
World #4 – 2025 Wimbledon Finalist. 2025 US Open Finalist
Anisimova is fresh off her best year as a pro. She ended it white hot with finals appearances at Wimbledon and the US Open and a win at the China Open in the fall.
She’ll look to carry that momentum into Melbourne where she has never advanced beyond the fourth round.
Elena Rybakina
World #5 – 2022 Wimbledon Champion
Elena Rybakina was a marker of consistency for much of 2025. She reached the fourth round in all four Grand Slams and the semifinals in five singles tournaments.
She finally broke through in the WTA Finals beating four of the top players in the world to earn the title.
Rybakina had success in Melbourne before, reaching the final in 2023. Her quick playing style will help her avoid marathon matches in the Australian summer heat, but she’ll need all of her shots dialed to make a deep run.
Jessica Pegula
World #6 – 2025 US Open Semifinalist
Pegula is a hardcourt player to the bone. She reached the semifinals at the 2025 US Open after reaching the finals the year before. She also made three straight Australian Open quarterfinals from 2021-2023. She’s rarely favored entering a match, but her disciplined approach wins out on someone else’s bad day.
Madison Keys
World #7 – 2025 Australian Open Champion
Madison Keys started 2025 with a bang. She won her first ever Grand Slam title at last year’s Australian Open before reaching the quarterfinals at the French Open.
But early exits at Wimbledon and the US Open took some air out of the promising year. Keys will look to defend her title having lost her last three matches.
Jasmine Paolini
World #8 – 2025 Internazionali BNL d’Italia Champion
Paolini put together her strongest campaign as a pro in 2024 when she reached the fourth round in all four Grand Slams, including the finals at the French Open and Wimbledon. The same level of success eluded her in 2025, though. She’s looking for a strong start to the year in the tournament that’s given her the most trouble.
Mirra Andreeva
World #9 – 2025 French Open Quarterfinalist, 2025 Wimbledon Quarterfinalist
The 18-year-old Andreeva put together an impressive 2025 campaign. She reached the fourth round in Australia before reaching the quarterfinals at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. She’ll look to take another step forward in Melbourne, which has been one of her best tournaments thus far.
Ekaterina Alexandrova
Alexandrova put together one of her best years as a pro in 2025. She reached the fourth round at the French Open, US Open and Wimbledon and made deep runs in a handful of singles tournaments throughout the year. She’ll need that momentum in Melbourne.
Alexandrova has struggled at the Australian Open historically. She’s lost the opening round in two straight years and it’s the only Grand Slam tournament where she has a losing record. She’ll look to reverse those fates in 2026.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What channels are airing the 2026 Australian Open?
The Australian Open will take place from January 17 to February 1 and will air on ESPN networks and Tennis Channel.
Will Djokovic play the Australian Open in 2026?
Novak Djokovic is expected to play at the 2026 Australian Open.
Who is performing at AO 2026?
The Kid LAROI, Peggy Gou, Spacey Jane, The Veronicas and SOFI TUKKER are all slated to perform at the 2026 Australian Open.
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