Australian Open 2026: Where the Tennis Season Begins

The tournament runs from 18 January to 1 February 2026 at Melbourne Park, with qualifying rounds played from 12–15 January.
It’s the 114th edition of the Australian Open and the first Grand Slam of the tennis season.
Matches are played on hard courts (GreenSet) across multiple arenas, including Rod Laver Arena.

Defending Champions
The Australian Open 2026 features strong defending champions, with Jannik Sinner returning after winning the men’s singles title last year and Madison Keys beginning her campaign as the reigning women’s singles champion.

Big Performances
The tournament has already produced standout moments. Novak Djokovic reached his 100th Australian Open match win, continuing his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam title at the age of 38, while Keys has been back on court in the early rounds defending her crown.

Upsets & Drama
There has been no shortage of early drama. Félix Auger-Aliassime was forced to retire from his first-round match due to cramps, and Australia’s Maya Joint was eliminated in the opening round. Tennis legend Venus Williams, competing at 45, became the oldest player to appear in the main draw.

More to Watch
Top players such as Naomi Osaka and Elena Rybakina feature prominently in the early rounds, alongside a new generation of younger players making headlines with confident performances. The tournament continues to showcase a full range of competitions across singles, doubles, mixed doubles, wheelchair, and junior events.

Atmosphere & Records
The 2026 Australian Open has attracted record crowds, creating a lively atmosphere around Melbourne Park and prompting organisers to introduce logistical changes aimed at improving movement and the overall fan experience at the venue.