Get ready, tennis fans—the Australian Open 2026 is almost here, and it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable showdown! But here’s where it gets controversial: With rising stars and seasoned legends colliding on the court, who will dominate this year’s tournament? And this is the part most people miss—the wheelchair and junior events are set to steal the spotlight with their incredible talent. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this Grand Slam extravaganza.
The tennis world is buzzing as Melbourne Park prepares to host the first Grand Slam of the year. From the qualifying rounds kicking off on Monday, January 12, to the main draw’s grand finale on Sunday, February 1, the Australian Open 2026 promises non-stop action. But wait—there’s more: The wheelchair tennis main draws will run from Tuesday, January 27, to Saturday, January 31, showcasing some of the sport’s most inspiring athletes. Matches begin at 00:00 UK time on the outside courts and 1:00 on the show courts, with night sessions starting at 8:00. Mark your calendars—you won’t want to miss a moment!
Where does the magic happen? Melbourne Park, of course! This iconic venue has been the heart of the Australian Open since 1988 and boasts three world-class show courts: the Rod Laver Arena (15,000 capacity), John Cain Arena (10,500), and Margaret Court Arena (7,500). Fun fact: In 2025, the tournament welcomed over one million fans for the first time—a testament to its global appeal.
Now, let’s talk schedule. Here’s the breakdown:
- Men’s & Women’s Singles: January 18 – February 1
- Men’s & Women’s Doubles: January 20 – 31
- Mixed Doubles: January 22 – 30
- Wheelchair Events: January 27 – 31
- Junior Events: January 24 – February 1
For the full schedule, visit official link.
Who’s in the draw? The official lineup will be announced closer to the event, but expect a star-studded field. Keep an eye on the draws for updates. And don’t forget to check the daily order of play to plan your viewing.
How can you watch? Catch all the action live on Eurosport and discovery+ streaming link. Whether you’re tuning in from your couch or on the go, you won’t miss a single rally.
British players to watch:
- Emma Raducanu is back after a stellar 2025, where she reached the fourth round. Can she go further this year?
- Sonay Kartal returns to Melbourne with momentum, fresh off her breakthrough at Wimbledon and a WTA 1000 quarter-final appearance.
- Francesca Jones aims for her first Grand Slam win after cracking the top 100 last season.
- Cam Norrie had a stellar 2025, with highlights including a Wimbledon quarter-final and a win over Carlos Alcaraz.
- Jacob Fearnley looks to build on his 2025 upset of Nick Kyrgios and top-50 breakthrough.
Sadly, Jack Draper has withdrawn due to injury—a major blow for British hopes.
Top seeds to watch:
- Women’s Singles: Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, Elena Rybakina
- Men’s Singles: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Novak Djokovic, Felix Auger-Aliassime
Reigning champions from 2025:
- Men’s Singles: Jannik Sinner
- Women’s Singles: Madison Keys
- Men’s Doubles: Henry Patten & Harri Heliovaara
- Women’s Doubles: Katerina Siniakova & Taylor Townsend
- Mixed Doubles: Olivia Gadecki & John Peers
- Wheelchair Men’s Singles: Alfie Hewett
- Wheelchair Women’s Singles: Yui Kamiji
- Wheelchair Quad Singles: Sam Schroder
And many more!
Prize money details? Stay tuned—updates are coming soon.
British tennis history at the Australian Open: Virginia Wade remains the only British singles champion in the Open Era, winning in 1972. Andy Murray came close, reaching five finals but falling short each time. In doubles, Jamie Murray, Joe Salisbury, and Henry Patten have flown the flag in recent years. Wheelchair tennis has seen British dominance, with Alfie Hewett, Andy Lapthorne, and Gordon Reid leading the charge.
Controversial question: With the rise of young talent, are we witnessing the end of the Big Three’s era? Or will legends like Djokovic prove they still have what it takes? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over!
