When does the 2026 Australian Open start? Schedule and dates for first tennis Grand Slam of the year

There is no need to wait any longer. The start of a new tennis season is here, and with it comes the year’s first Grand Slam – the Australian Open.

This edition arrives loaded with intrigue. Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, the current world No 1, has the chance to complete the Career Grand Slam – winning all four majors at least once. He does so amid controversy following his recent split from former coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, a rupture that has dominated pre-tournament conversation.

The challenge will be formidable. Standing in his way is his great rival, Italy’s Jannik Sinner, an elite performer on fast hard courts and a two-time champion of the Australian Open, where conditions suit his game perfectly.

Australian Open 2026 dates and start times: when do matches begin?

The first major of the year opens with qualifying week, where lower-ranked players and wild cards compete for a place in the main draw.

Opening Week: qualifying matches, along with exhibitions and fan events, run from January 12 to January 17.

First round: begins Sunday, January 18, and runs through Tuesday, January 20. Over three days, 128 players take to the courts at Melbourne Park.

Second round: Wednesday, January 21, and Thursday, January 22, with 64 players fighting for a place in the next stage.

Third round: Friday, January 23, and Saturday, January 24 – traditionally one of the trickiest rounds for seeded players.

Round of 16: begins Sunday, January 25, with quarterfinal matchups set by Monday, January 26.

Quarterfinals: Tuesday, January 27, and Wednesday, January 28, alternating men’s and women’s matches across both days.

Semifinals: women’s semifinals on Thursday, January 29; men’s semifinals on Friday, January 30.

Finals: the women’s final is played Saturday, January 31, with the men’s championship match following on Sunday, February 1.

Match days in Melbourne typically begin around 11 a.m. local time, which corresponds to 7 p.m. ET the previous evening. Night sessions in Australia generally air during the U.S. morning hours.

How to watch the Australian Open 2026 live in the U.S.

Live television and streaming coverage will be available through major sports broadcasters and their digital platforms, offering full access to matches throughout the tournament with a subscription. In the U.S. this is via ESPN and the Tennis Channel.

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