Who are the favourites? Could we see another Sinner–Alcaraz final? And will Novak Djokovic compete? Here is everything you need to know ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year.
The world’s leading tennis players have arrived in Melbourne as the Australian Open 2026 gets under way, launching the new season’s Grand Slam calendar in familiar sunshine and searing summer heat.
From men’s superstars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner to women’s title contenders Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff, the tournament promises two weeks of elite competition on Melbourne Park’s iconic blue hard courts.
All eyes will once again be on Novak Djokovic, the most successful player in the tournament’s history, as he continues his pursuit of a record-extending 11th Australian Open title and an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam crown. His quest unfolds amid an intense modern rivalry led by defending champion Sinner and current world number one Alcaraz.
In the women’s draw, two-time Australian Open champion Sabalenka will attempt to reclaim the title she lost last year, but faces stiff competition from Swiatek, Gauff and Amanda Anisimova, all of whom arrive in strong form.
As thousands of fans descend on Melbourne to witness the biggest names in tennis, here is a comprehensive guide to the Australian Open 2026.
When Does the Australian Open 2026 Begin?
The main draw for both men’s and women’s singles begins on Sunday, 18 January 2026.
The women’s singles final will take place at Rod Laver Arena on Saturday, 31 January, followed by the men’s singles final on Sunday, 1 February, at the same venue.
Where Is the Tournament Played?
The Australian Open is held at Melbourne Park, featuring a collection of world-class hard courts.
The three main stadiums are:
- Rod Laver Arena, the centre court and home of the finals
- Margaret Court Arena
- John Cain Arena
Who Are the Defending Champions?
In the women’s singles, Madison Keys claimed her maiden Grand Slam title in 2025, stunning two-time champion Aryna Sabalenka in a dramatic three-set final.
The men’s final in 2025 was a masterclass from Jannik Sinner, who defeated Germany’s Alexander Zverev in straight sets to secure his second Australian Open title.
Will Novak Djokovic Play at the Australian Open 2026?
Djokovic withdrew from the Adelaide Open, a traditional warm-up event, citing that he was not “physically ready”. While he did not clarify whether this was due to injury or precautionary rest, the Serbian has confirmed his arrival in Melbourne ahead of the tournament.
Crucially, Djokovic has been named in the official draw, strongly indicating that he intends to compete.
Who Are the Favourites to Win the Australian Open 2026?
The tournament features a compelling mix of former champions, reigning title-holders and emerging stars.
Carlos Alcaraz enters the tournament as world number one and top seed. Although he has not played competitively since losing to Sinner at the ATP Finals in Turin, he finished 2025 atop the rankings after a dominant run in end-of-season hard-court events. The Australian Open remains the only Grand Slam missing from his collection, and the Spaniard will be determined to complete the set.
Jannik Sinner, the defending champion, enjoyed a remarkable close to 2025 despite losing the US Open final to Alcaraz. He went on to win four of the five tournaments he entered thereafter, including the ATP Finals on home soil. Sinner is chasing a historic third consecutive Australian Open title.
Daniil Medvedev, although currently ranked outside the top 10 at number 12, remains a dangerous contender. The former US Open champion endured an inconsistent 2025 but opened the new season with a statement victory at the Brisbane International. His experience and court craft make him a potential dark horse.
On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka arrives as top seed after winning the Brisbane title without dropping a set. Despite reaching three Grand Slam finals in 2025, she lifted only the US Open trophy. The Belarusian will be keen to reclaim the Australian Open crown for a third time.
Iga Swiatek, ranked second, holds six Grand Slam titles but is still searching for her first Australian Open triumph. After mixed results in 2025, she ended the year in style with a Wimbledon title and began 2026 by leading Poland to United Cup victory. Her consistency and mental strength make her a serious contender.
Amanda Anisimova, currently world number four, continues her impressive resurgence following a brief hiatus from tennis in 2023. Although she lost both the Wimbledon and US Open finals last year, her ability to defeat top-ranked opponents places her firmly among the favourites.
Top Seeds at the Australian Open 2026
Men’s Singles
- Carlos Alcaraz (Spain)
- Jannik Sinner (Italy)
- Alexander Zverev (Germany)
- Novak Djokovic (Serbia)
- Lorenzo Musetti (Italy)
- Alex de Minaur (Australia)
- Felix Auger-Aliassime (Canada)
- Ben Shelton (USA)
- Taylor Fritz (USA)
- Alexander Bublik (Kazakhstan)
Women’s Singles
- Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus)
- Iga Swiatek (Poland)
- Coco Gauff (USA)
- Amanda Anisimova (USA)
- Elena Rybakina (Kazakhstan)
- Jessica Pegula (USA)
- Jasmine Paolini (Italy)
- Mirra Andreeva (Russia)
- Madison Keys (USA)
- Belinda Bencic (Switzerland)
Could We See Another Sinner–Alcaraz or Sabalenka–Gauff Final?
Alcaraz and Sinner are placed in opposite halves of the men’s draw, making a final showdown possible. Djokovic and Sinner share the same half and could meet in the semi-finals, while Alcaraz may face Zverev in the other semi-final.
In the women’s draw, a final between Sabalenka and Swiatek is a distinct possibility. Swiatek could meet Anisimova in the semi-finals, while Gauff lies in Sabalenka’s half and may face the top seed before the final.
Has Venus Williams Qualified?
Venus Williams has received a wildcard entry and will make her Australian Open return for the first time in five years. At 45, she becomes the oldest woman to compete in a main draw at the tournament.
She could meet Coco Gauff in the second round, revisiting a rivalry that began when a 15-year-old Gauff defeated Williams at Wimbledon in 2019.
Why Is Roger Federer at the Australian Open?
Roger Federer will headline the exhibition event titled “Battle of the World No 1s”, marking the launch of the tournament.
This will be Federer’s first appearance on Rod Laver Arena since retiring in 2022. The event forms part of the Australian Open’s inaugural opening ceremony, held on the eve of the tournament.
Federer, a six-time Australian Open champion, will be honoured alongside Andre Agassi, Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt.
Tickets, Prize Money and Broadcast Details
Tickets are available through the tournament’s official website.
The total prize money for the Australian Open 2026 stands at $74.9 million, with both the men’s and women’s singles champions earning $2.79 million each.
The tournament will be broadcast globally via television and digital platforms. Live coverage of the singles finals will also be available through text and photo commentary.