The Australian Open returns to Melbourne in January 2026, once again setting the stage for the world’s best tennis players to kick off the Grand Slam season. With an extended 18-day format, record prize money, and strong Australian representation, this year’s tournament promises high drama both on and off the court at Melbourne Park.
From draw dates and top seeds to wildcard entries, schedules, and dining experiences, here’s your complete guide to the Australian Open 2026.
When Is the Australian Open 2026 Draw?
The official Australian Open 2026 main draw will be announced on:
Thursday, 15 January 2026
2:30 PM AEDT
Fans can follow the draw live via:
The official Australian Open website
Australian Open YouTube channel
Official Australian Open Facebook page
For the first time, the draw will also be hosted live at the Grand Slam Oval fan stage, with live screens across Melbourne Park, adding to the festival atmosphere.
Tournament Dates & Match Schedule
The Australian Open 2026 follows the expanded 18-day format, allowing for improved player recovery and a smoother viewing experience.
Key Dates at a Glance
Tournament Dates: 15 January – 1 February 2026
Qualifying Rounds: 15–17 January
Main Draw Begins: Sunday, 18 January
Daily Match Sessions
Day Sessions: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Night Sessions: From 7:00 PM
Key Rounds
First Round: 18–20 January
Second Round: 21–22 January
Third Round: 23–24 January
Fourth Round: 25–26 January
Quarterfinals: 27–28 January
Women’s Semifinals: Thursday, 29 January
Men’s Semifinals: Friday, 30 January
Finals Weekend
Saturday, 31 January: Women’s Singles Final & Men’s Doubles Final
Sunday, 1 February: Men’s Singles Final & Women’s Doubles Final
Daily orders of play are released the evening before each session.
Top Women’s Seeds – Australian Open 2026
(Rankings accurate as of Friday, 9 January 2026)
The women’s draw features a powerful mix of Grand Slam champions and rising stars, with several players chasing historic milestones.
Top 20 Women’s Seeds
Aryna Sabalenka
Iga Świątek (Poland)
Coco Gauff (USA)
Amanda Anisimova (USA)
Elena Rybakina (Kazakhstan)
Jessica Pegula (USA)
Madison Keys (USA)
Jasmine Paolini (Italy)
Mirra Andreeva
Ekaterina Alexandrova
Belinda Bencic (Switzerland)
Clara Tauson (Denmark)
Linda Nosková (Czechia)
Elina Svitolina (Ukraine)
Emma Navarro (USA)
Naomi Osaka (Japan)
Ludmila Samsonova
Victoria Mboko (Canada)
Karolina Muchová (Czechia)
Elise Mertens (Belgium)
Women’s Wildcards – Australian Open 2026
Eight wildcard entries have been confirmed, including a major return to Melbourne:
Priscila Hon (Australia)
Rakotomanga Rajaonah Tiantsoa (France)
Talia Gibson (Australia)
Emerson Jones (Australia)
Elizabeth Mandlik (USA)
Taylah Preston (Australia)
Zarina Diyas (Kazakhstan)
Venus Williams (USA)
Sixteen additional players will qualify through the qualifying rounds to complete the 128-player women’s draw.
Notable Absentees:
Zheng Qinwen, Veronika Kudermetova
Top Men’s Seeds – Australian Open 2026
The men’s draw is stacked with champions, challengers, and local favourites.
Top Men’s Seeds
Carlos Alcaraz (Spain)
Jannik Sinner (Italy)
Alexander Zverev (Germany)
Novak Djokovic (Serbia)
Félix Auger-Aliassime (Canada)
Taylor Fritz (USA)
Alex de Minaur (Australia)
Lorenzo Musetti (Italy)
Ben Shelton (USA)
Alexander Bublik (Kazakhstan)
Casper Ruud (Norway)
Daniil Medvedev (Russia)
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (Spain)
Andrey Rublev (Russia)
Jiri Lehecka (Czechia)
Karen Khachanov (Russia)
Jakub Menšík (Czechia)
Tommy Paul (USA)
Men’s Wildcards – Australian Open 2026
James Duckworth (Australia)
Jordan Thompson (Australia)
Christopher O’Connell (Australia)
Patrick Kypson (USA)
Bu Yunchaokete (China)
Rinky Hijikata (Australia)
Kyrian Jacquet (France)
Stan Wawrinka (Switzerland)
Notable Absentees:
Jack Draper, Arthur Fils
Record Prize Money in 2026
The Australian Open 2026 boasts a record prize pool of $111.5 million, marking a 16% increase from 2025.
Singles Prize Money (Men & Women)
Round | Prize Money | Increase |
Winner | $4,150,000 | +19% |
Runner-up | $2,150,000 | +13% |
Semifinalist | $1,250,000 | +14% |
Quarterfinalist | $750,000 | +13% |
Fourth Round | $480,000 | +14% |
Third Round | $327,750 | +13% |
Second Round | $225,000 | +13% |
First Round | $150,000 | +14% |
Qualifying Rounds
Round | Prize Money |
Q3 | $83,500 |
Q2 | $57,000 |
Q1 | $40,500 |
What’s New for Players in 2026?
Tennis Australia has increased travel assistance by 67%, supporting lower-ranked and international players. The extended schedule spreads matches more evenly, reducing late finishes and improving recovery, especially important during Melbourne’s summer heat.
Australian Players to Watch
Singles
Alex de Minaur leads the home challenge as a top-10 seed
Maya Joint earns her first Grand Slam seeding
Ajla Tomljanovic, Kimberly Birrell, Priscilla Hon, and wildcard entrants add depth
Daria Kasatkina competes under the Australian flag for the first time
Doubles & Juniors
Olivia Gadecki & John Peers return as mixed doubles champions
Matt Ebden, Ellen Perez, and Jordan Thompson headline doubles
Junior and wheelchair events feature rising local talent
Food, Dining & Experiences at Melbourne Park
Beyond tennis, AO 2026 delivers one of Melbourne’s best summer food festivals.
Garden Square
Shake Shack (Australian debut)
Hector’s Deli
Layla by Shane Delia
Entrecôte
Vic’s Meat
Grand Slam Oval
Ho Jiak
JollyGood
D.O.C Pizza
Fishbowl
Wonder Pies
Premium Dining
Peter Gilmore
Simon Rogan
Farmer’s Daughters
SK Steak & Oyster
Grey Goose Courtside Bar
Watching the Australian Open 2026
Australia: Channel 9 (free-to-air) & Stan Sport
Europe: Eurosport
USA: ESPN
India & Subcontinent: Sony Sports Network
Live scores and highlights are available via the Australian Open app.
Planning Your Australian Open Experience in Melbourne
With packed schedules, late-night matches, and premium hospitality, the Australian Open is one of Melbourne’s busiest summer events. Whether you’re attending a final session, a corporate function, or a VIP dining experience, planning your transportation in advance ensures a smooth experience.
