ACTION AND EARLY HIGHLIGHTS
The 2026 Australian Open, the first of the four tennis majors in the annual calendar, is under way at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia. Running from 18 January to 1 February 2026, this tournament marks the 114th edition in history and the 58th in the Open Era. It features singles, doubles and mixed doubles competitions for professional players, as well as junior and wheelchair events.
TOURNAMENT STRUCTURE AND BACKGROUND
Held annually on hard courts (GreenSet surface) at Melbourne Park, the Australian Open is one of the most anticipated tennis events globally. Its main draw consists of 128 singles players in both the men’s and women’s competitions. The tournament includes a full slate of doubles, mixed, juniors and wheelchair events.
Entry lists revealed that nearly all of the world’s top-ranked players are competing in 2026, with full fields of top-100 ranked players confirmed in both the men’s and women’s singles draws.
PRIZE MONEY AND RECORDS
This year’s tournament features a record prize pool of AU$111.5 million, an increase of approximately 16% from 2025, and one of the highest financial purses across all Grand Slam events. Winners of the men’s and women’s singles titles will each receive AU$4.15 million.
DEFENDING CHAMPIONS AND KEY CONTENDERS
Jannik Sinner enters as the defending men’s singles champion, having won in previous years and aiming to extend his dominance.
Madison Keys returns to defend her women’s singles title.
World No.1 players Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka are among the top seeds expected to challenge for the titles.
EARLY ROUNDS: HIGHLIGHTS AND RESULTS
Several notable results and storylines have emerged in the opening rounds:
Novak Djokovic, the record 10-time Australian Open champion, celebrated a career milestone by recording his 100th match win at Melbourne Park with a commanding straight-sets victory in the first round. At 38 years old, he also tied the all-time record for most Grand Slam appearances (81) alongside Roger Federer and Feliciano López. Djokovic is targeting a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title.
Coco Gauff secured a confident first-round victory despite serve issues, advancing to the next round.
Australian players and other competitors have produced compelling matches, including comeback victories and five-set battles.
Top seeds such as Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka made solid starts in their opening matches.
Legendary player Venus Williams, at age 45, became the oldest woman ever to compete in the Australian Open main draw, though she exited in the first round. Her participation underscores her longevity and impact on the sport.
Defending champions Sinner and Keys are both in action, with hopes of deep runs into the second week of the tournament.
FAN EXPERIENCE AND OFF-COURT DEVELOPMENTS
In addition to on-court competition, tournament organizers have implemented upgrades to enhance the fan experience. These improvements include expanded shaded seating, new viewing areas and upgraded hospitality options. Popular food and entertainment offerings have also been expanded across the grounds.
With early rounds completed and storylines unfolding, the 2026 Australian Open has delivered a mix of milestone achievements, competitive matches and high-profile performances. As the tournament progresses into the second week, attention will shift toward quarterfinals, semis and the eventual crowning of champions. Fans worldwide continue to follow live scores, match highlights and feature moments from Melbourne.