Heartbreak, triumph, and everything in between – the Australian Open delivers it all! Get ready for a thrilling start to the 2026 tennis season as we dive into the details of the first Grand Slam of the year, held in vibrant Melbourne. Whether you're a seasoned tennis fanatic or just starting to explore the sport, we've got you covered with everything you need to know. Let's get into the schedule, UK timings, draws, order of play, and the list of players battling it out for glory at the Australian Open 2026.
When Can You Catch the Action? The Australian Open 2026 Dates
The road to the main draw begins with the qualifying rounds, taking place from Monday, January 12th, to Thursday, January 15th. This is where up-and-coming players and those looking to regain their footing fight for a coveted spot in the main tournament. It's often a great place to spot future stars!
The main event, the Australian Open main draw, kicks off on Sunday, January 18th, and culminates in the finals on Sunday, February 1st. Prepare for two weeks of intense competition, unforgettable moments, and perhaps a few unexpected upsets.
For wheelchair tennis enthusiasts, the Australian Open wheelchair tennis main draws will be held from Tuesday, January 27th, to Saturday, January 31st. These athletes showcase incredible skill and determination, providing some of the most inspiring stories of the tournament.
What Time Does the Tennis Start? UK Viewers' Guide
Now, for those of us watching from the UK, here’s a crucial detail: the Australian Open action begins at 00:00 UK time each day on the outside courts. Matches on the show courts will start at 1:00 AM UK time. The night sessions, perfect for evening viewing, will commence at 8:00 AM UK time. Get your coffee ready!
Where's the Party At? The Iconic Melbourne Park
The Australian Open calls Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Victoria, home. This isn't just any tennis venue; it's one of the largest and most impressive in the world. It has been the proud host of the Grand Slam since 1988.
Melbourne Park boasts three impressive show courts: Rod Laver Arena, the second-largest indoor sports venue in Australia with a seating capacity of 15,000, John Cain Arena (capacity: 10,500), and Margaret Court Arena (capacity: 7,500). These arenas have seen some of the most legendary matches in tennis history.
Did you know? In 2025, the Australian Open welcomed over one million fans for the very first time! That's a testament to the tournament's global appeal and the electric atmosphere it creates.
A Glimpse at the Australian Open 2026 Schedule
Here's a quick breakdown of the key events:
- Men’s & Women’s Singles: January 18th – February 1st
- Men’s & Women’s Doubles: January 20th – 31st
- Mixed Doubles: January 22nd – 30th
- Wheelchair Events: January 27th – 31st
- Junior Events: January 24th – February 1st
For the full, detailed schedule, you can visit the official Australian Open website. (https://ausopen.com/schedule#!pre-tournament)
The All-Important Draw: Who Will Face Who?
The draw for the Australian Open is always a highly anticipated event, revealing the potential paths to glory for each player. This will be announced closer to the tournament. Keep an eye on the official Australian Open website for the full draws: Australian Open draws (https://ausopen.com/draws)
Daily Order of Play: Plan Your Viewing!
Want to know who's playing when? The daily order of play will be available via this link: Order of play (https://ausopen.com/schedule#!40004)
How to Watch the Australian Open 2026 in the UK
You can catch all the live action from the 2026 Australian Open on Eurosport and discovery+. Eurosport typically provides extensive coverage, while discovery+ offers streaming options for those who prefer to watch online. (https://get.discoveryplus.com/gb/watch-entertainment-and-sport?snb=4)
British Hopes: Who Will Fly the Flag?
Let's take a look at some of the British players expected to make an impact. Please note that player participation can change due to injury or other unforeseen circumstances.
Women's Singles
- Emma Raducanu: British No. 1 Emma Raducanu had a career-best Australian Open performance in 2025. She defeated 26th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova and future Wimbledon and Roland Garros runner-up Amanda Anisimova in the opening rounds before losing out to Iga Swiatek. Her 2025 season saw her ranked at world No.29, with highlights including a semi-final at the Citi Open and a quarter-final at the Miami Open.
- Sonay Kartal: Sonay Kartal is returning to Melbourne for the second time, aiming to build on her impressive 2025 season. Kartal reached the fourth round of Wimbledon and beat world No.5 Mirra Andreeva en route to her maiden WTA 1000 quarter-final at the China Open.
- Francesca Jones: Francesca Jones broke into the top 100 last season with consecutive WTA 125 titles on clay. This will be her second appearance in Melbourne after qualifying in 2021, and she will be aiming for a first Grand Slam win.
Men's Singles
- Cam Norrie: Norrie saved his best tennis for the big moments last year, with a Wimbledon quarter-final, a US Open third round, a Moselle Open final, and a win over world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz at the Paris Masters.
- Jacob Fearnley: Jacob Fearnley caused an upset on his Australian Open debut last year, beating Nick Kyrgios in the first round. He reached the third round before bowing out to Alexander Zverev before going on to break the top 50 in June.
- Jack Draper: Unfortunately, Jack Draper has withdrawn from the 2026 Australian Open due to injury.
Keep an eye out for announcements regarding qualifying players, doubles teams, and wheelchair entries!
Who Are the Ones to Beat? Top Seeded Players
These players are expected to be among the favorites, but as we know, anything can happen on the court!
Women's Singles
- Aryna Sabalenka
- Iga Swiatek (POL)
- Coco Gauff (USA)
- Amanda Anisimova (USA)
- Elena Rybakina (KAZ)
Men's Singles
- Carlos Alcaraz (ESP)
- Jannik Sinner (ITA)
- Alexander Zverev (GER)
- Novak Djokovic (SRB)
- Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN)
A Look Back: Australian Open 2025 Champions
Here are the reigning champions from the 2025 Australian Open:
- Men’s Singles: Jannik Sinner (ITA)
- Women’s Singles: Madison Keys (USA)
- Men’s Doubles: Henry Patten (GBR) & Harri Heliovaara (FIN)
- Women’s Doubles: Katerina Siniakova (CZE) & Taylor Townsend (USA)
- Mixed Doubles: Olivia Gadecki (AUS) & John Peers (AUS)
- Wheelchair Men’s Singles: Alfie Hewett (GBR)
- Wheelchair Women’s Singles: Yui Kamiji (JPN)
- Wheelchair Quad Singles: Sam Schroder (NED)
- Wheelchair Men’s Doubles: Alfie Hewett (GBR) & Gordon Reid (GBR)
- Wheelchair Women’s Doubles: Li Xiaohui (CHN) & Wang Ziying (CHN)
- Wheelchair Quad Doubles: Andy Lapthorne (GBR) & Sam Schroder (NED)
The Money Matters: Australian Open 2026 Prize Money
Details on the prize money for the 2026 Australian Open will be released soon, but expect it to be substantial, reflecting the prestige of the event.
British Tennis Legends: Past Winners at the Australian Open
Let's celebrate some of the British players who have etched their names in Australian Open history!
In the Open Era, Virginia Wade stands alone as the only British player to have won a women’s or men’s singles title at the Australian Open. She triumphed in 1972, defeating Evonne Goolagong. Wade also won the women’s doubles title the year after with Margaret Court.
On the men’s side, Andy Murray has come agonizingly close, reaching the final five times but always finishing as runner-up. John Lloyd also reached the men's singles final in the second of two Australian Open events in 1977, losing to Vitas Gerulaitis in five sets.
Britain has enjoyed more recent success in men's doubles, with Jamie Murray (2016), Joe Salisbury (2020) and Henry Patten (2025) all lifting the trophy. Jo Durie and Jeremy Bates are the only Brits to have won the mixed doubles, back in 1991.
British wheelchair tennis players have also enjoyed considerable success, including:
- Alfie Hewett: Men’s Singles (2023 & 2025); Men’s Doubles (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025)
- Andy Lapthorne: Quad Doubles (2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2022, 2024 & 2025)
- Gordon Reid: Men’s Singles (2016); Men’s Doubles (2017, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025)
- Jordanne Whiley: Women’s Doubles (2014, 2015 & 2020)
- Peter Norfolk: Quad Singles (2008, 2009, 2010 & 2012); Quad Doubles (2011 & 2012)
Now, Over to You!
As we gear up for the Australian Open 2026, who are you most excited to watch? Do you think a British player will break through and claim a singles title this year? And what are your predictions for potential upsets? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below – let's get the conversation started!
