2026 Australian Open: How to Watch, Match Schedule, Top Seeds, and What’s New

Post by : Saif Nasser

The 2026 Australian Open is set to begin in Melbourne, marking the start of the new Grand Slam tennis season. As one of the biggest sporting events in the world, the tournament brings together top players, returning legends, and millions of fans who follow every match closely. Held at Melbourne Park, the Australian Open is played on outdoor hard courts and is known for its lively crowds, night matches, and summer atmosphere.

Singles matches begin on Sunday morning in Melbourne, with games spread across several courts from the very first day. The main stadium, Rod Laver Arena, will host key matches during both day and night sessions. Because of time differences, fans in other countries will be able to watch late-night or early-morning tennis action.

In the United States, the tournament will be broadcast live on ESPN and the Tennis Channel. Viewers in other countries also have access through local sports broadcasters, allowing tennis fans around the world to enjoy the competition.

The defending women’s singles champion is Madison Keys from the United States, who won her first Grand Slam title in 2025 after a hard-fought final. On the men’s side, Italy’s Jannik Sinner returns as the reigning champion. He is aiming to secure another title at Melbourne Park and continue his strong form on hard courts.

This year’s top seeds include Aryna Sabalenka as the number one women’s seed and Carlos Alcaraz as the top men’s seed. Both players are ranked first in the world and are expected to attract huge attention. They are scheduled to appear early in the tournament, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting two weeks of tennis.

According to betting experts, Sabalenka is the leading favorite to win the women’s singles title, followed by Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff. In the men’s draw, Sinner is seen as the strongest contender, with Alcaraz close behind. Novak Djokovic also remains a key name to watch, even as competition grows stronger each year.

The Australian Open follows specific match rules that add to its drama. Women compete in best-of-three-set matches, while men play best-of-five sets. Final-set tiebreakers are used to avoid endless matches, and night sessions bring extra excitement under the lights. The event takes place during Australia’s summer school holidays, making it a major attraction for families and tourists.

One major change in 2026 is the introduction of an “opening week.” Fans are now allowed into Melbourne Park from the start of the qualifying rounds, with free access to practice sessions and live music events held every evening. Attendance numbers have already increased compared to previous years, showing strong interest from the public.

Several familiar faces are also drawing attention. Venus Williams has returned to the main draw at the age of 45, becoming the oldest woman to compete in the tournament’s history. Tennis legend Roger Federer has also returned to Melbourne Park for special appearances and the opening ceremony, even though he retired from professional tennis in 2022.

The tournament schedule runs from mid-January through early February. Early rounds take place during the first week, followed by quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals in the second week. The women’s final will be played one day before the men’s final, keeping fans engaged until the very end.

Prize money has reached a record high in 2026. The total prize pool has increased significantly, with both the men’s and women’s singles champions set to earn more than four million Australian dollars each. This increase reflects the tournament’s growing global importance and commitment to rewarding players equally.

Overall, the 2026 Australian Open promises high-quality tennis, strong competition, and memorable moments. With a mix of experienced champions, young stars, and exciting new features, the tournament is once again ready to capture the attention of sports fans around the world.